Conversations with Michael: A Story About Love, Light and Autism

What happens when we look beyond spoken words and truly listen? Conversations with Michael, an original Namibian play presented by PLAYMAKERS, explores love, communication and the importance of giving autistic people a voice. Making its world premiere at the National Theatre of Namibia on 29 and 30 October 2026 at 18:00, the multimedia production is conceived and directed by Sandy Rudd and written by Roya Diehl. Based on the true story of Mike, a non-speaking autistic teenager, and his tutor and communication regulation partner, Veronica Muinjo, the play incorporates Mike’s own words, communicated through a letterboard, alongside dialogue written for the stage.

We sat down with Veronica, to chat about her experience of bringing this deeply personal story to life and what she hopes audiences will learn about communication, understanding and challenging misconceptions about autism. We also discussed the upcoming 6th World Autism Organization Congress, taking place in Windhoek from 3 to 5 November 2026 under the theme Transform the Narrative, and the importance of addressing autism-related stigma and changing perceptions across Africa.

Conversations with Michael reminds us that communication looks different for everyone, and that every person deserves to be heard and understood. Catch this moving original production at the National Theatre of Namibia on 29 and 30 October at 18:00 — a story that invites us all to look beyond words.