Guthrie Theater

"It's amazing that the frightening tale based on Daphne du Maurier's short story, "The Birds," is still being produced in such creative and still-frightening ways. The production of The Birds at the Guthrie was a powerful piece of theatre and a reminder to me of just how important that story has become. It was truly frightening, and the performances by the cast were wonderful and will be remembered. I suggest, as someone who has had a personal experience with The Birds, that this is a night in the theatre that should not be missed."
~Tippi Hedren, star of the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds

Inspired by Daphne du Maurier's enthralling short story, the basis for Alfred Hitchcock's legendary film, this suspenseful adaptation by acclaimed Irish playwright Conor McPherson (The Seafarer, Shining City, The Weir) is an emotionally stirring, atmospheric drama in the Guthrie's most intimate theater.

Mysterious masses of birds have begun to violently attack at high tide, driving strangers Nat and Diane to take refuge in an isolated, abandoned house by the sea and form a bond to survive their haunting new circumstance. With no electricity and scarce food, the tension is palpable and hope is waning. Yet if two is company, three is a crowd, as the sudden arrival of a young woman with a mysterious nature of her own ruffles feathers in the house and quickly threatens to destroy their so-called sanctuary.

When The Birds premiered in Dublin the Irish Times raved, "McPherson keeps us on the edge of our seat" and the Irish Independent hailed the play as "deliciously chilling" and "spring-loaded with tension." Don't miss this chilling psychological portrait of fear and alienation.

This play contains strong language and mature themes