Self-Injurious Behavior
About the show
Based on playwright and star’s own story of loss, love, and survival, "Self-Injurious Behavior" tells the story of a mother of an autistic child who has to make a difficult decision and deal with its consequences. More…
When severely autistic eleven-year-old Benjamin becomes a danger to himself, his divorced mother, Summer, makes the excruciating decision to admit him to a home for special needs kids. Seeking comfort, she visits her sisters in Portland who desperately (and comically) attempt to distract her with a weekend of escapism at the local renaissance faire. Plagued by haunting dreams of her son and memories of her marriage, Summer is forced to face the need to let go.
See it if you appreciate great acting and a very absorbing true-life story about human struggles and the sacrifices parents must make.
Don't see it if you find it difficult to watch plays about the struggles parents have with autistic children.
See it if you are interested in the ways disabilities impact those who are closest — though this story is really about coping.
Don't see it if you want to shield yourself from subject matter that can be uncomfortable for those who are not in that world.
Also Jessica Cavanagh makes her complex and emotionally draining story acce... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy well acted plays about difficult family issues. The actors playing the autistic child and his mother were excellent
Don't see it if If you only like plays about life's lighter side
See it if Camping provides little respite from putting out fires for guilty mother of son on spectrum.Large cast. "We're in survival mode here."
Don't see it if Showcase. Self-harm overlooked, even though it's in title.Needless guilty-tear shedding. Who could blame a mother for securing her treasure?
Also "Don't give up on me, Mommy."
See it if Renaissance faire respite weekend from raw-nerve life of parenting an autistic child. Young parents start strong but end up divorcing.
Don't see it if You don’t want to experience an episode of loud, yelling, screaming, violent, out-of-control autistic behavior.
See it if Very involving story, excellent performances by all. Good dose of comic relief, but still a gut wrencher.
Don't see it if If you're having an emotional day. It's pretty depressing with elements that just about anyone can relate to. Very long first act.
Cast & Creatives (4)
Play a fun game
Get alerts about your favorite artists and theater companies
