On stage: Michael’s Unspoken Words
A new play titled 'Conversations with Michael' explores the life of a boy on the autism spectrum who uses a letterboard to communicate. The production highlights the challenges of isolation and the transformative power of finding a voice through alternative communication methods.
Why it matters
The play brings visibility to neurodiversity and the importance of inclusive communication tools for individuals with non-speaking autism.
In a rehearsal room in the national theatre, two Michaels face each other.
One is an actor, creating an onstage version of a real boy named Michael, who has come to this room to see a play.
The play is ‘Conversations with Michael’, created by veteran director Sandy Rudd. It follows the story of Michael, a boy on the autism spectrum, and his communication partner, his tutor.
Michael has never been able to speak, but the tutor – freshly trained – wants to try a method called Spelling to Communicate.
Armed with a letterboard, he wants to teach Michael to point at letters to spell out his thoughts. Over time, Michael becomes confident and starts to speak to the tutor through the board, sharing his dreams and his loneliness.
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