One of America’s most important and impactful stories has come to the stage.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” has become required reading for all since it was released in 1960. The examination of racial discrimination and bigotry, as well as the affirmation of standing up for what is just, is as essential today as it was 64 years ago.
And in the hands of auteur Aaron Sorkin, the story comes alive with pathos and depth never before seen.
“We have a story that this country still really, really needs. It’s important work as well as being fulfilling,” said Jacqueline Williams, who portrays Calpurnia in the play.
The stage version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” comes to Indianapolis this month, with a eight-show run from Jan. 23 to 28 at Clowes Hall. Penned by Sorkin, the Academy Award-winning director, playwright and writer, and based on the novel by Harper Lee, the play takes a fresh look at the classic tale of racial injustice and childhood innocence.
Richard Thomas stars as Atticus Finch, the small-town lawyer called on to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama. In addition to Finch, the play features other classic characters from the book, including Atticus’s daughter Scout, her brother Jem, their visiting friend Dill, and a mysterious neighbor, the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley.
Williams plays the role of Calpurnia, the Finches’ housekeeper who provides a Black perspective to Scout and Jem as the plot pushes forward. The multi-award winner’s Broadway credits include Horton Foote’s Pulitzer winner and Tony-nominated “The Young Man from Atlanta.” Her Off-Broadway credits include the internationally acclaimed production of “From the Mississippi Delta,” co-produced by Oprah Winfrey, “The Talented Tenth” and “Mill Fire.”
In advance of “To Kill a Mockingbird” arriving in central Indiana, Williams took time to talk about her journey to the production and why it remains such an important work of art.
What led you towards theater in the first place?
“I started with a Christmas play in grade school, so I found that calling very, very early in life.”
When did you realize it was something you wanted to do as a career?
“I don’t know what I was thinking — I really don’t. My family comes from Mississippi, from sharecroppers and cotton pickers, so no one in my family knew anything about the business. I was learning everything as I was going along. The lightbulb didn’t go off for me until I was in high school that this could be a career for me — that I could do it. There was no event that took place that sparked the lightbulb for me, it just did one day in high school.”
Why were you drawn to ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’?
“I’ve pretty much been a lifelong fan of the book and the film. I never imagined there would be a professional life theater treatment of the story, so I was thrilled and intrigued and drooling to be part of it. With Aaron Sorkin at the pen and Bartlett Sher (as director) … c’mon, it’s a dream team.”
What has the experience been like for you since you joined the cast?
“It’s been great. It’s grueling, but we have a great company and a great production — a great, full evening of theater for folks.”
What has it been like portraying Calpurnia?
“Remember, my family is from the South. I’ve been Black in America for a bit of time, so there was no deep preparation. And unfortunately, we’ve made very little progress. For me, it was connecting to Richard (Thomas, who portrays Atticus Finch.) The relationship between Atticus and Calpurnia is really the central relationship in the piece. Luckily, Richard and I hit it off right off the bat. I couldn’t ask for a better scene partner out there. He’s just sublime and a terrific human being.”
What do you hope people take away from the performance?
“I hope when people leave the theater, they have some conversation amongst themselves, but most importantly with themselves. I hope they ask themselves, what have they done in the past to make things better? And then what can they do to make things better? Then I hope they just try to have some common respect and understanding for each other. If we do those things, we can really begin to make some major progress forward.”
IF YOU GO
“To Kill A Mockingbird”
What: The traveling stage production of the classic novel and film, written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Bartlett Sher.
When: Jan. 23-28
Where: Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis
Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Jan 23-25, 8 p.m. Jan. 26 and 27, 2 p.m. Jan. 27, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28
Tickets: indianapolis.broadway.com/shows/to-kill-a-mockingbird
