THE BIRDS

by Conor McPherson from a story by Daphne Du Maurier – October 16 to November 1, 2026

SYNOPSIS

This is Conor McPherson’s stage adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s short story that also inspired Hitchcock’s famous film.

In a near-future world massive flocks of birds have begun coordinated, lethal attacks on humanity. Two strangers, Nat and Diane, take refuge in an isolated, abandoned farmhouse in New England. Their fragile bond is disrupted by the arrival of a young woman, Julia, whose presence sparks deep-seated paranoia and suspicion. As the thin veneer of civilization starts to crack, are they as much a threat to each other as the birds themselves?

ROLES

We encourage actors of all identities and backgrounds to audition.

Diane: Female, late 40s/50s. A cynical and affluent novelist in midlife, she is also the primary narrator. While she can be maternal, is also manipulative and suspicious.

Nat: Male, 40s/50s.An unsettled and unstable man. Suffering from chronic headaches and capable of sudden violence, yet he is often the one to venture out to scavenge for supplies.

Julia: Female, 20s. Young and enigmatic, she disrupts the relationship of Diane and Nat. Her stories about her past are often exposed as lies. Highly manipulative and competes for Nat’s attention.

Tierney: Male, 50s. A mysterious and menacing neighbor from across the lake who appears in one short scene only..