BRUNSWICK

The Theater Project of Brunswick presents Harper Lee’s famous novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel, in a Community Collaboration production running through April 10.

Lee’s novel has sold over fifteen million copies and been translated into over 40 languages. Set in the South in the 1930s when segregation ruled, it is the story of lawyer Atticus Finch and his son and daughter, Jem and Scout, who learn about prejudice, love and courage from their father’s work defending Tom Robinson.

The film, produced in 1962, starred Gregory Peck in an Academy Award winning performance as Atticus.

Al Miller, The Theater Project’s artistic director, says he and the cast are working on their understanding of the story rather than trying to reproduce someone else’s vision.

“The movie could be a strong influence on this production, but it isn’t really,” Miller said. “The complexity of Lee’s story still speaks to us today, not only as a good story but as a stimulus to think about how one behaves in the face of prejudice, any kind of prejudice. We live at a time when that is still an issue and may always be.”

“To Kill a Mockingbird”’s difficult themes of racial injustice, social class, moral courage, gender roles, and ultimately, compassion are as topical in 2016 as they were in 1960 when the novel was first published.

The cast features community members Paul Harrison as Atticus, Molly Klein as Scout and Wyeth Tobey as Jem. Khalil LeSaldo is Tom Robinson, Toby Tarpinian is Bob Ewell and Annabella Palopoli is Mayella, his daughter.

“We’ve brought back some old friends, and some of the cast are new to our stage,” Miller said. “They bring new energy and ideas to our work.”

The Community Collaboration of “To Kill a Mockingbird” opens at The Theater Project on Friday and plays for two weekends, closing April 10. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are Pay- What-You-Want, suggested $12. For tickets or more information, go to www.theaterproject.com, contact 729-8584, or visit 14 School Street. Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. The Theater Project is a 501(c)(3) organization.