To Kill a Mockingbird Review

Aha! I remembered to post this time! Although it helps that I am on the constant edge of caffeine and last-minute projects...surprisingly enough, I remembered about today's review because I know many of you were looking forward to what this play really is all about.

Well, for those who don't know: To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel written by Harper Lee that takes place in the 1930s down south. The book's perspective takes from a young girl, Jean-Louise Finch (also known as "Scout") and her memories regarding her childhood friends, adventures, her brother's growth in maturity, and her father facing a hard case defending a black man from a crime he didn't commit.

Now, that's the basic idea of the book. The adaptation OSF took on was making the court case the main driving plot of the play, which makes sense if you're going to condense a book into a two-hour production. There is an interesting take of having the narrator of the book as an older woman describing certain scenes when need be, so the play really is heavily driven by the memories of the narrator. Such is also reflected off from the set as well, as most of the set pieces are part of a shadow puppet-esque style (imagine, in the background, just a white sheet and several layers of shadows that have the ability to move towards the audience)
There is some confusion, however. While the narrator is talking through her own recollection of memories, the acting style of the play suggests that it's really about Atticus Finch (Scout's father). Everybody in the company either consents or counters the actor's character, and the subtle passion the actor portrays in his monologues and court cases strongly suggest the power behind the character, while the rest of the actors seem to act more as back-up characters.

For those who have never read the book or seen the movie, I recommend this production simply because it is to the point regarding main plot points. But for the more passionate fans, I would still recommend seeing it. Yes, it leaves out some plot points from the book and that should be expected, but the style of the show and the acting of Atticus Finch are the two main reasons one should enjoy the show, let alone see it.

And so that's the end of my reviews for OSF this year! I'm not entirely sure what is going to happen with the Elizabethan productions as it has been raining almost non-stop and it has been difficult to keep up rehearsals if the equipment keeps getting wet. If they do continue, however, I know personally I'd like to see Love's Labor Lost and The Pirates of Penzance. Maybe once I'm rich, perhaps.

But anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed these reviews! Y'all have a wonderful weekend and I shall talk to y'all later~