When thinking of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series the first thought that comes to mind is probably the books or movies. However, in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” all of that is removed.
The play was approved by Rowling, but the authors and producers of the play are actually John Tiffany and Jack Thorne. Many agree it doesn’t feel like a “Harry Potter” novel but there is a reason the play’s script was published.
Blake Coker | Argonaut
‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ perfectly strays from the series.
Harry, who now has three children, works for the Ministry of Magic and carries a legacy he never asked for. But this story isn’t about Harry Potter. It’s about his son.
The script follows Albus Severus Potter who has quite a legacy to live up to. He is followed everywhere by his father’s legacy, but in that he is not alone. Another central character to the story is his best friend Scorpius Malfoy. Together the two of them go on their own unexpected adventure.
Just like the original “Harry Potter” series, their adventure turns out to be much more than they bargained for with some very unexpected and reminiscent twists.
These twists have a new flavor and in that respect it appeals very well to fans of the series. However, it is not a true “Harry Potter” novel. It was never meant to be.
It is after all a play. So, when reading the script there is a lot open to interpretation. The writing style definitely does not belong to Rowling and is often off-putting.
The themes of the story are what many fans wanted, however the final say was Miss Rowling’s. If this play was not a true representation of her characters that many fans hold dear, she would not have approved it.
As far as the plot is concerned, it would make sense that these social repercussions would happen to these children as a result of their family names.
While it isn’t entirely a Potter novel, it is a wonderfully done play.
Mary Emert
can be reached at