The Birds
by Conor Mcpherson, Daphne Du Maurier

Name: The Birds
Brand: Conor Mcpherson
SKU: 9780822233121
Rating: 3.63 (39 reviews)

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

90 minsPresent DayUnit Set/Multiple SettingsContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesBritish Adaptation Mystery

What readers are saying

Readers generally appreciate the intense and surprising elements of the play, noting the engaging character dynamics and the adaptation's unique take compared to the famous Hitchcock film. Some emphasize the importance of sound design to enhance the experience, while a few find certain characters slightly annoying. Overall, the play elicits strong reactions, both positive and negative, from its audience.

Engaging character dynamicsSurprising plot twistsStrong adaptation from source materialFirst act feels slowSome characters can be annoying

Synopsis

Daphne du Maurier’s short story, also the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, is boldly adapted by Conor McPherson—a gripping, unsettling, and moving look at human relationships in the face of societal collapse.

In an isolated house, strangers Nat and Diane take shelter from relentless masses of attacking birds.

They find relative sanctuary but not comfort or peace; there’s no electricity, little food, and a nearby neighbor may still be alive and watching them.

Another refugee, the young and attractive Julia, arrives with some news of the outside world, but her presence also brings discord.

Their survival becomes even more doubtful when paranoia takes hold of the makeshift fortress—an internal threat to match that of the birds outside.

Press Reviews

"Never has [McPherson] been more in control...he keeps us on the edge of our seat."
— The Irish Times

"Deliciously chilling...spring-loaded with tension...claustrophobic, questioning, frightening; and with a twist."
— Irish Independent

"A powerful piece of theatre and a reminder to me of just how important that story has become... truly frightening... a night in the theatre that should not be missed."
— Tippi Hedren, star of the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds