A Jody O’Neill and Abbey Theatre co-production
What I (Don't) Know About Autism
26 October - 20 November 2021
by Jody O'Neill
Booking Information
On the Peacock Stage (all performances captioned)
In-person: 26 October – 6 November (excluding 2 & 3 Nov)
Times: Mon – Sat 8pm, Sat Matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: €18 – €25 / Conc. €16 – €20
Live Stream (with captions): 3 November 8pm
On-demand:
Captioned: 8 – 20 Nov
Irish, American and British Sign Language Interpreted: 9 – 20 Nov
Audio Described: 12 – 20 Nov
Tickets:
Standard €20
Concession/Member €15
Household €30
Standard Plus Support €50
Running Time: 80 mins
Age Guidance: 14+
Sign language interpreted performance: Saturday 30 October, 8:00pm
Sign language interpreted performance: Friday 5 November, 8:00pm
Sign language interpreted performance: Saturday 6 November, 2:30pm
Audio-described performance: Friday 5 November, 8:00pm
Audio-described performance: Saturday 6 November, 2:30pm
The return of our sold out 2020 production, What I (Don't) Know About Autism is a sometimes comic, sometimes heart-breaking journey into the world of autism, performed by autistic and non-autistic actors.
Sandra is looking for love. Gordon is seeking acceptance. Simon just wants these parents to stop talking for two minutes so he can get on with teaching their kids.
And Casper?
Casper is not here.
What I (Don’t) Know About Autism takes the audience on a highly theatrical journey. Performed by a cast of autistic and non-autistic actors, it is a sometimes comic, sometimes heartbreaking look at the world of autism. The play mixes narrative, song, dance and direct address to explore this contentious and often misunderstood subject matter.
Inspired by the writer’s own experiences with autism, the play celebrates autistic identity whilst offering deeper insight and understanding to non-autistic audiences.
All performances will be relaxed performances. This means there will be a relaxed approach to noise during the show and audience members are free to move about or leave the auditorium as they need. Each performance will be followed by a post-show talkback.
As well as live performances, What I (Don’t) Know About Autism will also be available to watch as a captioned live-stream, and on-demand. Irish Sign Language, British Sign Language, American Sign Language, Captioned and Audio-Described performances will be available on-demand.
Content Warning:
Although the show contains many moments of humour and lightness, it also contains discussion of the killing of a child, mistreatment of children, ableism, and childbirth. Brief violence, profane language, ableism, and alcohol usage depicted on stage. This show is suitable for ages 14+. Any instances of loud noise and music are flagged in advance by performers each time during the show.
Funded by the Arts Council. Supported by Arts & Disability Ireland, AsIAm.
Originally produced in association with Mermaid Arts Centre and The Everyman.
Digital Programme
Download the digital programme here.
Visual Guide
Download the visual guide here.
Audio-described Programme Notes
Download the audio-described programme notes here, or listen to them below.
Reviews
★★★★
A 'riveting new play'
The Irish Times
★★★★
'an uplifting, powerful piece of theatre'
Irish Examiner
★★★★
'an innovative theatrical experience that makes light work of heavy themes.'
The Arts Review
Credits
- Cast: Shay Croke
- Cast: Paula McGlinchey
- Cast: Jayson Dockrell-Murray
- Cast: Jody O'Neill
- Cast: Matthew Ralli
- Cast: Eleanor Walsh
- Writer: Jody O’Neill
- Producer: Melissa Nolan
- Director: Dónal Gallagher
- Choreographer: Cindy Cummings
- Set and Costume Design: Medb Lambert
- Lighting Design: Eoin Winning
- Associate Lighting Design: Bill Woodland
- Composer and Sound Design: Carl Kennedy
- Dramaturg: Louise Stephens
- Voice Director: Andrea Ainsworth
- Make-up: Nicola Lee
- Production Manager: Anthony Hanley
- Stage Manager: Cian Mulhall
- Assistant Stage Manager: Shannon Cowan
- Cast Welfare Officer: Georgina McKevitt
- Cast Support Worker: Sean O'Neill
- Film Production: Tiny Ark
- Graphic Design: Frank Prendergast and BLAM
- Post-show Talkback Facilitator: Lisa Farrelly