(Photo by Zack Snyder)

A conversation with Mickey Rowe

The Devoy Lecture will feature the groundbreaking performer, artistic director, author, and speaker on October 4

A conversation with groundbreaking performer, artistic director, author, and speaker Mickey Rowe will be presented by Boston College’s DeVoy Perspectives on Theatre Lecture Series on October 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. His appearance on the Robsham Theater Arts Center main stage is free and open to the public.  

Autistic and legally blind, Rowe overcame the perception that there were things he was incapable of doing and succeeded because of—not despite—his autism, according to event organizers. He has had a prolific and varied career as an actor, director, consultant, and public speaker sought both nationally and internationally. [More at ]

Author of the award-winning book Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor’s Journey to Broadway’s Biggest Stage, Rowe was the first autistic actor to play the lead role in the Tony Award-winning play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” which will be staged next month at Robsham Theater. He also performed the title role in the Tony Award-winning play “Amadeus,” and founded the National Disability Theatre.

“In conjunction with ‘Curious Incident’ being performed October 19-22, we are happy to have Mr. Rowe speak in Robsham through the generous support of the DeVoy lecture series,” said Theatre Department Chair and Professor of the Practice Luke Jorgensen, noting that the play’s protagonist is a neurodivergent thinker who confronts—and eventually overcomes—various struggles and obstacles.

“Mr. Rowe knows these struggles well, both as a person who has played the role and as an autistic and blind author and performer,” said Jorgensen.

“Curious Incident” focuses on 15-year-old Chris, who is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. Chris falls under suspicion for killing a neighbor’s dog and sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a life-changing journey.

“This play uses fully immersive storytelling, new music, projections, and a level of the performers’ physicality that will lift your spirits, as well as the actors,” said Jorgensen.

The Matthew R. DeVoy and John H. DeVoy IV Perspectives on Theatre Series is a program made possible by a generous gift from the DeVoy family. The series brings leading professionals and creative forces in theater and the performing arts to campus to share their experience and vision with the Boston College community, and with interested alumni and members of the greater Boston arts community.

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