The Shortened Version of “Cursed Child” Is Set at a “Ferocious Pace,” Melbourne Actors Say
While the announcement that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child would be condensed into a one-part play was initially met with some disappointment, it seems like the shortened version might keep audiences on the edge of their seats just as much as (if not more than) the original two-part play.
In an interview with the cast of the Melbourne production, it became clear that the shortened version of the show is going to be way more intense – for both the audience and the actors.
The reason behind shortening the original production was that it would be accessible to more people. Producer of the New York production Colin Callender said that the original play tended to overexplain the story a bit. Reworking the script to make the show shorter, however, was no easy feat. Callender, along with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, had to do a lot of writing and rewriting to get it right, but Callender is happy with how it turned out, telling the Brisbane Times that he feels the themes of the show are more evident in the shorter version.
While the writers had to work really hard to ensure the shortened version of Cursed Child is just as good as the original, the actors also had to step up their game. Lucy Goleby, who plays Ginny Potter, says that the new version of the play really requires her to use all of her skills as an actress.
I think we have to work harder; we have to work smarter. Which is great… strip out all your hesitation and just get to the meat of the matter. There’s no gently building up to a scene: you come in, you bare your chest and drop your soul on the floor and then you leave again.
Does Goleby miss the old version of the production? Sometimes, but the shortened production stays true to the original story, and the journey is the same, even though the script has been adjusted. She also thinks that it provides a more truthful portrayal of Harry and Ginny’s relationship.
This version, although it’s quicker, it forces us to be more honest, more quickly. There’s no time to pander to your own inhibitions, no meaningful pauses, which is more true to life, I think.
Lachlan Woods, who portrays Draco Malfoy, is a newcomer to the show. For him, everything is new and incredibly exciting. From the incredibly fast pace (which Woods describes as “ferocious”) to the onstage stunt work, he pretty much feels like he’s literally stepped into the wizarding world.
Michael Bani, who portrays the centaur Bane as well as the Sorting Hat, says that “the technical demands of this show are just off the charts.” Despite the show being a challenge, he loves being a part of it and getting to embody the role of a centaur.
It just takes you to another realm. You’re just like, ‘Look at me, I’m epic.’
The one-part play has started performances in Melbourne this month, so make sure you grab tickets if you’re in the area.
It appears that the one-part production is going to sweep fans off their feet. Have you seen the shortened version of Cursed Child yet? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments.
