Abstract Artistic View on Autism: Performers on the Spectrum

Abstract

There are a lot more plays nowadays that have issues about mental disabilities in them. The problem still lies in whether or not the actor playing the character with a disability is actually disabled at all. This essay explores three different unique plays that deal with mentally disabled people and how they overcome their struggles. I looked at articles and blog posts that analyze the actor vs the character. I noticed that some of the articles had heavy criticism despite the actor's great portrayals. Despite all the criticism, there's stigma, lack of education, and closed mindedness among producers and directors toward disabled people. People who cast actors tend to think that disabled people can't act in films like nondisabled people can. They are wrong. History has changed when autistic actors like Mickey Roe, Kayla Cromer and Andrew Duff came along to defy the odds. I hope to become part of this history. The play that I created is an autobiographical project, where I told my personal life story while at the same time paid homage to three of my favorite musicals: Dear Evan Hansen, In the Heights, and Hamilton. I had the great privilege of playing myself; like the other actors before me, I too came a long way when it comes to performing. I, too am autistic, so I know what the struggle feels like. Based on my own experience and those of the actors I have researched, I argue that accurate casting and representation matters. My senior project is for other performers with disabilities facing these same challenges. Remember, you are not alone.