The NY Times noted that "it will change how you see the world. This is what great theater is for. Aaron Sorkin's 'Mockingbird' is filled with deep compassion and overwhelming humanity. Do not miss it." We must also praise Barlett Sher’s directional skills and Aaron Sorkin –the playwright- for bringing to life this historical fiction.

This classic read created by the legendary author Harper Lee, has long since been developed outside of paper. The film which was first released on May 9th, 1963 succeeded the book which was released only shortly before on July 11th, 1960. The play, which was adapted for the stage by Aaron Sorkin was first performed in America in the Schubert Theatre in 2018 on Broadway. It was first performed in England in March 2022, on the West End in the Gielgud Theatre.

The play was notably different from the book, and there were some aspects that I missed such as the different way in which Jem found his trousers, and the lack of prominence Boo Radley held. Although he was still frequently mentioned, the book held him at higher esteem, as he had a bigger part – especially in the discovery of items in the knot hole and the fire at Miss Maudie’s (whose character did not even make an appearance.) - However, the emotion that the actors portrayed throughout the play made up for this entirely. The raw and natural way in which the actors responded to each other whilst fully embodying their characters had me appalled and fascinated. The development of Calpurnia (portrayed by Pamela Nomvete) had me the most entranced, as she began the show as quiet and apprehensive towards everyone. However, as the play progressed, her anger at racial injustice and the situation Tom Robinson was in shone through. Nomvete’s take on this character was interesting and emotive, bringing me close to tears as she explained to Atticus the rage she feels towards the prevalence of racism in Maycomb, or as the book described it ‘the Maycomb disease.’

Set-wise, this play was captivating. The transitions between the court room, Scout and Jem’s house and other locations were smooth and efficient with no noticeable hiccups or ‘going wrongs’ occurring. It is also important to note that the furniture used helped immensely in creating different atmospheres regardless of the background setting remaining the same for the entirety of the play. This aspect of the production helped engage the audience significantly as watching how the stage could transform created a sort of magic that cannot be found anywhere else.

All in all, this production was moving and I wholeheartedly agree with the NY Times’ statement and instruction ‘not to miss this production.’ I only wish I could have met other characters which I was introduced to in the novel, as now these characters are merely confined to the walls of my imagination.