“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” A Play

Emily Wright, Reporter|April 7, 2016

Since its first release, Harry Potter has accumulated a cult following that spans many generations. The series continues to grab more fans as books and movies are released, delving further into J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. With a steady fan base, Rowling has continued adding to her kingdom with systematic releases of more information on the wizarding world, publishing additional books like “field guides.” Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was one, a book on magical creatures found in the wizarding world and based off of a text book mentioned in the Harry Potter series, as well as Quidditch Through the Ages, detailing the history and play of the wizard game quidditch.

Coming July 27th is her newest addition: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a stage performance written in conjunction with author Jack Thorne and directed by John Tiffany.

Originally planned to be released as a play, a “Special Rehearsal Edition” of the script will be released after the first preview performances of the play. Rowling plans on releasing a print copy of the script for the upcoming play.

Credit: Pottermore.com https://www.pottermore.com/explore-the-story/cursed-child
Credit: Pottermore.com
https://www.pottermore.com/explore-the-story/cursed-child

The play follows a now-grown Harry, and his son, Albus, set nineteen years after the seventh book. While information about the play has been scant, Rowling has confirmed this is the eighth book in the series. The current play synopsis says:

 

“It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.”


Rowling wrote the story in collaboration with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. An online and print version of the play will be released simultaneously after the play on July 31st, Harry’s canonical birthday. A full cast has been released at this point with Jamie Parker playing adult Harry, Paul Thornley for grown Ron and Noma Dumezweni as grown Hermione.

Casting, however, has raised conversation, especially regarding the casting of well-known heroine Hermione Granger. Actress Emma Watson (who played Hermione in the first seven films) spoke out on the topic with this tweet:

 

Dumezweni has also spoken about the controversy on Twitter saying, “The only question we should ask is ‘Are they good?’ I’ve met great actors black and white and I’ve met bad actors black and white.” Rowling defended the casting by saying, “Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione.”   Fans have also expressed frustration about the ticket buying process for the play. Tickets were said to be sold out in an hour, with many problems arising in the webpage.  

Some bookstores already have pre-order lists, the Barnes & Noble by my house is already planning a midnight release party. Website failure and controversy aside, Rowling’s latest addition to the life of the boy who lived continues to excite, implore, and wonder. Keep reading, muggles!