Love, light and living with autism

What happens when we look beyond words and truly listen to one another? That is the question at the core of ‘Conversations with Michael’, an original Namibian play that took to the stage at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) last Thursday and Friday evening. Presented by The Playmakers, the 45-minute multimedia production directed by Sandy Rudd and written by Roya Diehl offers a gentle, moving look into love, light, and living with autism. Rudd has thanked her cast and all those who supported the making of the play, saying: “It’s telling a real-life story in a way that makes people feel more connected to reality and what is actually happening and removing the stigma of autism.

’’ Based on the real-life story of Michael (19) and his communication regulation partner Veronica Muinjo, the play follows the developing bond between a non-speaking teenager with autism (played with delicate sensitivity by newcomer Othello Joseph) and his newly trained tutor (played with warmth and quiet dignity by Ndinomholo Ndilula). Through the use of a letterboard, the centrepiece of the spelling-to-communicate method, Michael begins to spell out his thoughts, revealing a vivid inner world filled with a desire for friendship, deep intelligence, and a longing for independence. Adding an emotional layer to the production, award-winning artist Lize Ehlers not only leads the musical direction alongside producer David Beukes (Luminous), but also steps onto the stage as a one-woman chorus, narrator, and inner voice. Combined with projected visuals by Stephen Beukes, the music and staging give the audience a rare glimpse into what it feels like to navigate sensory overload, isolation, and ultimately, genuine human connection. Beyond telling a personal story, the play subtly touches on the wider…