To mount a stage production of a novel like To Kill A Mockingbird, that is controversial yet appreciated by young and old is no easy feat. Last week, Young People’s Theatre (YPT) did just that, and a great adaptation is not enough to describe it.
The overall production excels on various levels. The story deals with relevant yet serious themes on racism, rape, prejudice, and how these are seen through the eyes of a child. It is refreshing to see that YPT did not shy away from these.
I found myself quickly drawn into the story. The cast, under Allen MacInnis‘ direction, absolutely work well together. I noticed some familiar faces and some well-seasoned actors. Jeff Miller personifies Atticus Finch effortlessly and has “great stage presence” as my lovely companion put it to me. Tal Shulman (Dill), Noah Spitzer (Jem) and Caroline Toal (Scout) not only work well together and with the ensemble cast, they embody their respective characters very well. As an audience, we forget they are not children in real life.
Interestingly, this story always reminds me how often young people are more tolerable than adults. The character of Atticus Finch reminds us that parents play an integral role in how children view the world and those around them. There is no surprise why this novel, and its various interpreations on film or on stage, make it an important work to revisit again and again. The incidents in Ferguson are a clear example of how times change yet some people don’t. It is through stories like this one that we can continually engage a younger audience in discussing how ignorance and prejudice affect not only one person but many. Atticus explains it best, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
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| Jeff Miller as Atticus Finch and Caroline Toal as Scout Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann |
From an artistic perspective, I quite liked the staging of the show. Dana Osborne and team did well in keeping the set design to a minimal feel. Lesley Wilkinson‘s great use of lighting creates the necessary space to evoke setting and mood. I very much like this type of staging, especially for young audiences. It reinforces the idea of using one’s imagination. But it also allows the audience to focus on the actors and the story.
Given that this is a production staged for a young audience — 11 years onwards — To Kill A Mockinbird may appear dialogue-heavy but it flows well. And it is not at all confusing. At 90 minutes with no intermission, its pacing works and nothing of importance is missed.
From casting, set and light design, and direction, YPT’s To Kill A Mockinbird is not to be missed. I, thus, highly recommend this stage adaptation of the novel. The show runs until November 2nd, with extra evening performances added on October 18th, 25th and November 1st. For full scheduling and show information, visit youngpeoplestheatre.ca.
