HOUSTON, TX — Trust hangs by a thread while the relentless fury of nature collides with human survival in the Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. (DDTCo.) highly anticipated season opener, The Birds. Daphne du Maurier’s 1952 short story, and the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, is adapted by Conor McPherson and becomes a gripping and unsettling look at human nature in the face of societal collapse.
ABOUT THE PLAY
When a relentless and deadly slew of birds begins attacking humanity, strangers Nat and Diane find themselves trying to survive together in an isolated cabin. Soon after, the young and attractive Julia arrives looking for shelter, bringing with her suspicion and distrust. When the duo becomes a trio, paranoia takes hold revealing an inside threat that rivals that of the murderous birds on the outside.
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
Conor McPherson was born in Dublin in 1971. He attended the University College in Dublin, where he began to write and direct. His plays include Rum & Vodka, The Good Thief, This Lime Tree Bower, St. Nicholas, The Weir (Olivier Award, Best Play), Dublin Carol, Port Authority, Shining City (Tony Award nomination, Best Play), and The Seafarer. Film work includes I Went Down, Saltwater, Samuel Beckett’s Endgame, and The Actors. Other awards include the George Devine Award; Critics’ Circle Award; Evening Standard Award; Meyer Whitworth Award; Stewart Parker Award; two Irish Film & Television Academy Best Screenplay Awards; CICAE Best Film Award, Berlin Film Festival (Saltwater); Best Film and Best Screenplay Awards, San Sebastian Film Festival (I Went Down).
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
The Birds is directed by Curtis Barber, who directed the DDTCo. Season 7 production of Misery and the Season 6 production of The Revolutionists. In addition, he directed Corner Store, Sunny, and The Unknown in the annual Student Playwright Festival, performed in Talk Radio and serves as DDTCo.’s Artistic Associate. “Curtis Barber brings a unique approach to the stage, turning stories into experiences,” says Artistic Director Malinda L. Beckham. “He creates moments that accumulate into something surprising.”
Beckham serves as the show’s costume and set decorator. The remaining creative team includes Santiago Sepeda (scenic design), Ian Evans (lighting design), Trevor B. Cone (sound design), Mark Lewis
(production manager), Barbara Alicea-Aponte (production stage manager) and Addison Antonoff (assistant stage manager).
DETAILS
CALENDAR LISTING
Theatre/Performing Arts
WHAT
The Birds
WHO
Written by Written by Conor McPherson from a story by Daphne du Maurier
Directed by Curtis Barber (77469)
Featuring:
Role Actor (ZIP) Previous DDTCo. credits
Tierney Carl Masterson (77401) Portrait of a Madonna (Porter) and The Long Goodbye (Mover 1)
Nat Jeff Featherston (77429) August: Osage County (Bill Fordham), Glengarry Glen Ross (Richard Roma), Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Bill Bradley) and The Eight: Reindeer Monologues (Dasher)
Diane Jenna Morris (77006) Boston Marriage (Catherine)
Julia Olivia Knight (77023) Dirt Dogs debut
WHEN
Oct 20–Nov 4, 2023
PERFORMANCES
Opening night
Friday, Oct 20, 2023 (followed by a champagne reception)
Evenings
8pm | Fridays & Saturdays, Oct 20, 21, 27, 28 and Nov 3 & 4 7:30pm | Thursdays Oct 26 and Nov 2 7:30pm | Monday, Oct 30
Matinees
2pm | Sundays, Oct 22 & 29
Talk back (with director and cast)
Thursdays, Oct 26 and Nov 2 | after the performance
Approximate run time
80 minutes (no intermission)
WHERE
MATCH – Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston Matchbox 3, The John P. McGovern Theater, 3400 Main St., Houston, TX 77002
BOX OFFICE
713.521.4533 | https://matchouston.org/events/2023/birds
TICKETS
Single tickets, $30 Matinees and Industry Mondays are “Pay What You Can”
Season tickets available until Oct 20
