Autism spectrum is focus of McNeese Theatre play

McNeese State University’s Theatre program will present “The Autism/Aspergers Project” March 20-24 in an effort to bring awareness to autism spectrum disorders.

The play will focus on the stories and experiences of people who are on the autism spectrum or are related to people on the spectrum in some way, said director Charles McNeely.

“Our main effort is to bring understanding to something that is misunderstood,” McNeely said. The content of the script was created from meaningful and real-life experiences, he said.

“In preparation for the play, information has been collected through research, different organizations and through peoples’ stories,” he said. “We have been collaborating and practicing in efforts to bring the production together.”

In addition to the play being held on the campus, Mc-Neely said he wants to bring the production to different schools in the parish to bring understanding to students and teachers, as well.

“One in every 68 people are on the spectrum, and in school a teacher will most likely interact with an autistic student,” he said.

McNeely said the stories and experiences will be portrayed in the play by Peyton Stanford, Aaron Tanner, Hannah Jolivette, Himshree Neupane, Cecile Roques and Supratik Regmi.