The Harry Potter franchise has been a beloved staple in pop culture since the release of the first book in 1997. Intriguing developments in the wizarding world and the lives of its inhabitants have kept fans clamouring for more. The latest installment in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, adds a new layer of magic to the world and creatively continues the story of the Boy Who Lived. In this article, we will explore how the Cursed Child brings a fresh perspective to the Harry Potter universe through its storyline and characters.
Harry Potter fans across Toronto were overjoyed when it was announced that the smash-hit show, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, would be premiering at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Originally debuting in London and currently enjoying a successful run on Broadway, this two part play allows audiences to experience something entirely new within the Harry Potter universe – a brand new story written by Jack Thorne with J.K Rowling’s original characters. For many, the chance to revisit Hogwarts was something they could not pass up; and indeed, reviews have been outstanding – it has been widely praised for being ‘as magical as you imagined’. Based on the eighth installments of the series, Cursed Child cleverly follows an adult Harry, Hermione and Ron navigating parenthood while mysterious forces endanger their children Albus and Scorpius. There has never been a better time for Potterheads in Toronto to catch one of their favourite franchise’s latest offerings!
The Storyline of the Cursed Child
The events of The Cursed Child take place 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, at which point the original series left off. Albus Potter, Harry’s son, is trying his best to live up to his famous father’s legacy as a hardworking Ministry of Magic employee and a father of three. A major plot point of the play involves Albus and his friend Scorpius going on a time-traveling adventure to fix the past and alter the present.
The characters and events in the play probe questions about loyalty, family, and the results of our actions. It also adds new faces to the cast and fleshes out the histories of fan favourites from the first series. Being a two-part play instead of a novel makes The Cursed Child a novel addition to the series that gives fans a new and exciting way to experience the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
The Characters of the Cursed Child
Albus Potter is the central protagonist of The Cursed Child, and has the enormous responsibility of trying to live up to the legacy of his famous father Harry. He must also face concerns familiar to many people: he feels isolated from his school peers, misunderstood by his parents, and inadequate when compared to those who appear to have their life all figured out. While at Hogwarts, Albus forges a close friendship with Scorpius Malfoy, who provides companionship and understanding through their shared mischievous exploits. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, these two characters recognize something in each other andblossom into an unlikely yet powerful bond. This highlights important themes about forgiveness, acceptance and hope; as seen through their friendship encouraging us to look towards the future with optimism rather than assigning blame or bitterness towards past experiences.
The return of beloved characters such as Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Ginny Weasley opens up an exciting new chapter in the world of Harry Potter. Now parents themselves, the play draws upon their different relationships and how these have changed over time. We are also treated to a raft of fresh faces, with none more engaging than the niece of Cedric Diggory; Delphi Diggory. Her importance is woven fully into the fabric of the play’s climax and her presence adds a dynamic edge to proceedings that is compelling from start to finish.
Bringing a New Level of Magic to the Franchise
The Cursed Child brings a new level of magic to the Harry Potter franchise in various ways. Firstly, the play’s format allows for a more immersive experience for audiences. The play’s two-part structure allows for more in-depth character development and a more complex storyline. The wizarding world comes to life onstage thanks to set design and special effects that couldn’t be included in the books or movies.
Secondly, the play’s exploration of new themes and the development of new characters expands the Harry Potter universe in exciting ways. The play explores themes of friendship and the weight of expectations, which were not as prevalent in the original series. Albus and Scorpius are just two examples of the new characters who breathe new life into the wizarding world and offer the chance for exciting new plot threads.
Finally, the play’s plot resolves loose ends from the original series while leaving future installments open. The play explores what could have happened if certain events had played out differently, providing a new perspective on the series’ past. It also introduces new possibilities for the future, such as exploring the lives of the next generation of wizards and witches.
The Bottom Line
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child offers an unforgettable magical experience for all its viewers. Through its unique storyline and characters, the play brings a fresh level of enchantment to the Harry Potter universe. The interactive format of theatre allows for more immersion than any other medium, and the exploration of novel themes coupled with the introduction of new characters opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. By bringing closure to the original series while simultaneously keeping it going, The Cursed Child provides an opportunity to cherish old memories while having something new to look forward to. If you’re searching for some top-tier wizarding world escapism then search no further – The Cursed Child is now playing at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, so make sure you buy your tickets!
