When a relentless and deadly slew of birds begins attacking humanity, strangers Nat and Diane find themselves trying to survive together in an isolated cabin. Soon after, the young and attractive Julia arrives looking for shelter, bringing with her suspicion and distrust. When the duo becomes a trio, paranoia takes hold revealing an inside threat that rivals that of the murderous birds on the outside. Daphne du Maurier’s 1952 classic short story, and the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, is adapted by Conor McPherson and becomes a gripping and unsettling look at human nature in the face of societal collapse.

The Reason

The Birds originated as a short story by Daphne du Maurier in which a national emergency is declared, and people were told to isolate themselves in their homes. That short story was adapted for the screen in 1963 with the iconic Hitchcock film by the same name. Later, it was adapted for the stage by Conor McPherson, which brings us together today. The one thing all three stories have in common is the danger of nature and the need for nurture.

This play resonated with me for several reasons: the first being the recent pandemic we all just experienced. With sudden and imposed isolation, uncertainty, and fear of something in the air, there was a very real element of doom hovering above us. Resources were in shorter supply and we were urged to remain isolated, keeping our distance from others. Social distancing became a thing, and we all struggled to assess the risk and danger of leaving our homes. This is something this play touches on long before it became a reality for us.

Another element of the play that struck me was the aspect of social interactions when a duo becomes a trio; the psychological effects of being pushed out of a group. Again, the fear of isolation carries with it a sense of doom, which can eat you alive from the inside.

Whether nature is turning on us or we are turning on each other, our world can change overnight. Are we ready?

The Story