Autism has been explored on stage in recent years, with notable productions like Simon Stephens’s stage version of Mark Haddon’s novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Mickey Rowe made history in 2017 as the first actor with autism to play the character of Christopher in a production of the play. The conversation around autism and Asperger’s has also been elevated by actors like Anthony Hopkins, Dan Aykroyd, and Daryl Hannah, who have been open about their diagnoses.
In the play Light Switch, currently showing at Open Space Arts, playwright Dave Osmundsen, a gay man living with autism, delves into the intersections of queerness and neurodiversity. The production, directed by Michael D. Graham, follows the journey of Henry, played by Phillip Andrew Monnett, as he navigates life from childhood through college and beyond.
The title of the play comes from a speech Henry delivers about his one “switch” to understand the world—19th-century British literature. His obsession with Wuthering Heights serves as a measure for the friends and lovers he encounters. The dynamic between Henry and his roomie Rogie, played by Henry DelBello, who is queer but not autistic, adds depth to the narrative. Despite their differences, Rogie and Henry’s mom, Marian, portrayed by Hilary Hensler, have Henry’s best interests at heart.
The production is a sensitive portrayal of the complexities of neurodiversity and queerness, with a low-budget set design by Rick Paul, costume choices by Adie Sutherland, and original musical transitions by Alex Kingsley. Unlike the Broadway production of Curious Incident, Light Switch relies on the actors’ performances to bring out the emotional depth of the characters without the need for elaborate digital effects.
Overall, Light Switch shines a compassionate light on its characters, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with autism and queerness. The play serves as an excellent introduction to Osmundsen’s work, highlighting the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience in all its complexity. Through nuanced performances and heartfelt moments, Light Switch invites audiences to reflect on the beauty of neurodiversity and the connections that bind us all together.
