THE STORY: 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.
“Deliciously chilling…spring-loaded with tension…claustrophobic, questioning, frightening; and with a twist.” —Irish Independent.
“Never has [McPherson] been more in control…he keeps us on the edge of our seat.” —The Irish Times.
“[THE BIRDS] was 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.
