Re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird before seeing the show?

[orlikethecolorpurple]

Posted: 1/26/19 at 1:58pm

Apologies if its been discussed, but Im trying not to read a lot about the production. I know Atticus character development is different on stage, but thats pretty much all I know.

Im wondering if people recommend reading/re-reading TKAM ahead of seeing the play? Its been so long since I was steeped in these characters and I have the urge, but know Ill potentially be opening myself up to too much comparison of the entities as I watch.

Any thoughts of those who know both the novel and the play?

[JBroadway]

Posted: 1/26/19 at 2:04pm

It depends on what your goals are. I personally enjoy the practice of identifying just how an adaptation differs from its source material, because it can give deeper insight into what exactly the adaptor is doing, and what story they are trying to tell with their changes. But if you're the kind of person that feels attached to the source material, and comparisons are going to hurt your enjoyment of the show, I say skip the re-read. 

Updated On: 1/26/19 at 02:04 PM

[orlikethecolorpurple]

Posted: 1/26/19 at 3:09pm

Thats a great way of looking at it; to analyze the objective of the changes. I love thoughtful reimaginations of beloved plays and musicals. No reason to see this differently.