Theatre--Performance

To Kill a Mockingbird, the upcoming production of the Evangeline Players in St. Martinville, was adapted by playwright Christopher Sergel from the novel by Harper Lee. Set in a small Alabama town in the Great Depression, the story concerns the trial of a young black man falsely accused of rape. The theme, however, is the loss of innocence (the mockingbird of the title).

Young Jean Louise Finch (Scout) and her brother, Jem, are being raised by their widowed father, Atticus and their black housekeeper, Calpurnia. The children find Atticus, who is older than the parents of their schoolmates and who seems to do little except read and work in an office, boring and a bit of an embarrassment. Their neighbors are a recluse named Boo Radley and his brother who takes care of him, Miss Maudie who is a sort of mother figure for them and Mrs. Dubose who is the Witch of the West as far they are concerned.

Scout's quiet life begins to change when she meets an odd young boy her own age named Dill (modeled on Truman Capote) who takes refuge from his turbulent life with his mother by staying first with his Aunt and then with Scout and Jem. Dill's life has matured him beyond his years and he watches sadly as Scout and Jem begin to learn the hard lessons of reality and the presence of Evil in their small town Eden.

This evil is represented by Bob Ewell, a white trash handyman who abuses his children. His daughter, Mayella, accuses Tom Robinson, a black handyman, of rape. Although he knows it is a hopeless endeavor, Atticus agrees to defend Tom, a decision which creates a great deal of stress for him and his family. Atticus, however, feels a moral duty to pursue Justice even she flees before him. The following events, beginning with the trial of Tom, mark a time of pain and change for the town and for Scout.

This production is produced by The Evangeline Players at the Duchamp Opera House and is under the direction of Mac Stearns, assisted by Steven Smith, Jr. It will open on Friday, April 4th and run through Sunday, April 20th. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees will start at 2 pm. For tickets, call (337) 394-5574.