To Kill A Mockingbird; theatre review

FIGHTING PREJUDICE:Shedrick Yarkpai, Isabella Trigatti and David Roach in To Kill A Mockingbird. Photo: David Wilson.



Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird makes its Australian premiere in Adelaide, with Independent Theatre Company staging the theatrical production at the Odeon Theatre.

To Kill A Mockingbird is set in the American town of Maycomb in Alabama during 1934-1935, where a black man, Tom Robinson is accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Experienced lawyer Atticus Finch is assigned by the judge to handle Tom's case, with the story told in flashback by Atticus' daughter Scout.

Independent Theatre stages a brilliant production of To Kill A Mockingbird, with a talented ensemble cast under the direction of Rob Croser.


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Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird is one literary gem which requires the right mix of talent and professionalism to bring the novel's themes and characters to life. Fortunately, Independent Theatre has succeeded in the challenge of re-creating the author's vision from the page to the stage.

The characters are well cast with each actor giving a solid performance to convey messages corresponding to the play's numerous themes including racial prejudice, loyalty, trust and love.

Local and regular Independent Theatre performer Lyn Wilson plays the mature Jean Louise Finch or Scout, with a narrative role where her monologues interweaves with the performance of her young counterpart. At times, Lyn seems oddly out of place and distant rather than immersed as the character, yet she brings a sense of warmth and reassurance of things to come.

Eleven year old aspiring actor Isabella Trigatti gives a commanding performance as the young Scout or Jean Louise Finch, vividly displaying a child's enquiring mind and bringing a vibrant quality to her delivery.

Young actor Will Cox plays Scout's older brother Jem, and is equally engaging as he brings a charming yet rebellious nature to the pre-pubescent son of local lawyer Atticus Finch.

One of the founding members of Independent Theatre and set designer extraordinaire David Roach, employs all his acting brilliance to do justice to one of literacy's most loved and respected characters. David plays the mild mannered lawyer and father of two children, Atticus Finch, with the unpretentious and noble qualities embodied in his idealistic character. Yet David demonstrates throughout the play, although Atticus is an idealist, he lives in an town and at a time where his visions are not ideal.

Musician, actor and familiar face of Independent Theatre stage productions, Shedrick Yarkpai has the role of accused rapist Tom Robinson. Shedrick plays Tom with gentle and quiet innocence, bringing forth all the play's themes of racial prejudice and inequality during his character's courtroom scenes.

Other cast members also provide outstanding performances including Jamie Black as the drunkard Bob Ewell whose aggressive and unpleasant nature is distrubing, Kate Ward is in fine form as the confused and contemptible Mayella Ewell. Poni Tongun debuts with Independent Theatre as Atticus Finch's caring and wise female servant Calpurnia but also acts as a surrogate parent to the children.

Independent Theatre continues to bring classic literature to the stage, with many quality productions pushing the boundaries of themes which are usually avoided or ignored. Their production of To Kill A Mockingbird will resonate in the minds of audiences just as the novel continues to strike a cord with readers.


A scene from the film To Kill A Mockingbird depicting the lynching attempt of Tom Robinson. Source:YouTube.com/Buddha7575.