Graphic by Logan McQuaid, Graphic Design Intern
By Lemuel Kemp, Staff Writer
Suddenly, the set cuts to black. The audience is left seated, staring into the abyss as they anticipate live entertainment. Their wait is over when the curtain reveals the start of Moraine Valley’s The Birds.
The Birds play is a combination of inspirations taken from the popular short story “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier and Alfred Hitchcock’s film adaptation of The Birds – all with a little Moraine Valley flair added to it. The play, while sharing the overall themes, feelings, and particular details as the movie and short story do, is a whole new series of characters and events. Its plot focuses on the development of relationships while living under pressure; it asks what people will do and how they will react in the post-apocalyptic world.
The Birds takes place in a black box theater, perfect for a psychological thriller. Throughout the play, the audience is on the edge of their seats – one slip up risking them ending up in The Birds dystopian society. The set is masterfully crafted, invoking a feeling of post-apocalyptic horror, even in the absence of blood or gore. The actual birds are absent from the play as well; the birds in the play are portrayed with the sounds of birds crowing and sounds of desecration. The sound effects are a staple, creating the same effect as Alfred Hitchcock’s film adaptation did.
The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and viewers are introduced to Nate. He is an irritable and disoriented character who’s malicious qualities are only soothed by character Diane tending to him. Throughout the play, their kinship is exemplified. We are then introduced to Julia through mysterious circumstances, causing Diane to be initially hesitant of her. Eventually, they all come along to be very close with one another. Nathan and Julia form a romantic relationship upon Julia’s pregnancy. We are introduced to new relationship developments and deterioration when Nate and Julia leave to search for food. Diane stays behind, only for her home to be broken into by Tierney who gives Diane a proposition. He proposes she sleep with him in exchange for food. Diane declines, and before he leaves, he claims that Julia had obliged his proposition. This shocking statement results in mistrust between Diane and Julia. Diane is furious and locks Julia outside, where she is never to be found. With these unanticipated series of events taking place, Diane and Nathan leave Julia behind in search for something better.
The cast did an amazing job with seasonal actors Rafael Garcia, Emma Foster, and Sarah Matchen who exemplify play sell-out rates. Additionally, Saul Delgadillo made a remarkable debut on the Moraine Valley stage, portraying his character exceptionally well. Each actor truly presented their A game, granting us a performance to remember.
Cast member Rafael Garcia provided thoughtful remarks that encapsulated the whole play in a concise statement. He said, “It truly is the kind of show where you shouldn’t expect one thing to occur, because the real magic of the story and visuals spawns out like a flock of birds. An intense and realistic experience. Nothing better could describe this play.”
All photos provided by the MVCC Marketing Department
