The Birds (stage version)
Conor Mcpherson
The Birds
by Conor Mcpherson, Daphne Du Maurier
Highlights
90 mins Present Day Unit Set/Multiple Settings Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes British Adaptation Mystery
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
Characters
| Character |
|---|
| Julia Twenty |
| Nat Forties/fifties |
| Tierney Fifties |
| Diane Late forties/fifties |
Videos
The Birds – Theatre Downtown Trailer
Publication
Publisher Dramatists Play Service
Year 2016
Pages 55
Language English
ISBN-13 9780822233121
ISBN-10 0822233126
LCCN 2016286248
LCC PR6063.C73 B57 2016
The Birds is a British adaptation play written by Conor Mcpherson and published by Dramatists Play Service (2016).
Community Reviews
No community reviews yet
Buy Play
Performance Rights
Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee: Minimum Fee: $110 per performance
Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)
Apply for RightsSimilar Plays
Plays with similar themes, style, and content.
More from Conor Mcpherson
More plays from Conor Mcpherson that we think you'll enjoy.
