Video summary
Playwright Simon Stephens explains the strategies he used in adapting the story of Mark Haddon鈥檚 much-loved novel into a script for his production at the National Theatre.
He discusses the structure of the novel, how Mark Haddon plays with chronology in the story and why.
We hear how Simon Stephens used the dialogue in the novel as a starting point for his script, and see examples of speech lifted directly from the novel used onstage.
He discusses the use of the character Siobhan as a narrator in the play, and we see footage of the relationship between Siobhan and Christopher.
This short film is from the 91热爆 series, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: From Page to Stage, made in collaboration with the National Theatre.
It explores how Mark Haddon鈥檚 much-loved novel became a multi-award-winning theatre production.
Interviews with the playwright, director and cast and footage from both rehearsal and performance reveal the process of bringing the story alive on stage.
PLEASE NOTE: There is footage from the theatre production of a model dog with a pitchfork through it, which some people might find upsetting.
Teacher Notes
When teaching the novel as a set text, students may find this short film useful for understanding structure.
Students could analyse the play as a piece of live theatre, or study the play's structure and style when using it as a set text.
This is particularly useful for exploring the character of Siobhan and her role in the narrative.
Students could also examine Mark Haddon's use of language in the novel, and the role of the narrative voice.
This short film is suitable for teaching GCSE English literature and drama in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 5 in Scotland.
Creating Atmosphere. video
Through interviews with the director and designers, we learn how projection, lighting and sound come together to create atmosphere in the production.
Creating Comedy and Tension. video
The cast and creative team explore how they created moments of comedy and tension in the play.
Design Elements. video
A look at how the highly stylised set of the play was designed, featuring interviews with the director and designers.
Ensemble Acting. video
The cast and creative team give us an insight into the use of ensemble acting, where a small group of actors play a large number of different parts.
What is Physical Theatre? video
Scott Graham from theatre company, Frantic Assembly, explains what physical theatre is, and how it was used to create the original National Theatre production.
Christopher and his Dad. video
An exploration of the relationship between Christopher Boone and his Dad, Ed Boone, using footage from the original National Theatre production of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'.
Christopher and his Mum. video
A look at the relationship between Christopher Boone and his Mum, Judy, through interviews with the actors and footage from the National Theatre production.
Christopher and Siobhan. video
A look at the relationship between the characters of Christopher Boone and his teacher, Siobhan, played by Niamh Cusack in the National Theatre production.
Themes. video
Playwright Simon Stephens explains the themes of the novel and play; family, love, honesty and truthfulness.
Who is Christopher Boone? video
An exploration of the character Christopher Boone, from the actor and director who originated the role in the National Theatre production of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'.
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