Synopsis
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a script book that continues the magical saga of the Harry Potter universe. This story, crafted by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne, takes place nineteen years after the events of the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The narrative follows Harry Potter, now a Ministry of Magic employee, and his youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, as they grapple with the legacy of the Potter family name and the shadows of the past.
Albus, struggling to find his place in a family of heroes, forms an unlikely friendship with Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco Malfoy. Together, they embark on a dangerous and thrilling adventure through time, attempting to right the wrongs of the past. Their journey brings them face-to-face with old foes and new challenges, exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the complexities of family relationships.
Characters
- Harry Potter: The Boy Who Lived, now a middle-aged Ministry employee facing new challenges as a father.
- Albus Severus Potter: Harry’s youngest son, struggling with the weight of his family’s legacy.
- Ginny Potter: Harry’s supportive wife and mother of their three children.
- Hermione Granger: The Minister for Magic, balancing her career and family life.
- Ron Weasley: Hermione’s husband, co-owner of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, providing comic relief and unwavering support.
- Draco Malfoy: Harry’s old rival, now a protective father to Scorpius.
- Scorpius Malfoy: Draco’s son, whose unexpected friendship with Albus drives the plot.
Themes
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child explores several key themes:
- Legacy and Identity: The story delves into the struggles of living up to a famous family name and finding one’s own path.
- Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Albus and Scorpius highlights the importance of friendship and standing by those you care about.
- Family and Forgiveness: The narrative examines the complexities of familial relationships and the power of forgiveness and understanding.
- Time and Consequences: The adventure through time underscores the impact of our choices and the ripple effects they can have on the future.
Publication History
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was first performed as a stage play on July 30, 2016, at the Palace Theatre in London. The play was a collaboration between J.K. Rowling, playwright Jack Thorne, and director John Tiffany. While Rowling contributed to the story, the screenplay itself was written by Jack Thorne.
The script book was published on July 31, 2016, coinciding with J.K. Rowling’s and Harry Potter’s birthdays. The book was released by Little, Brown and Company in the United Kingdom and Scholastic in the United States. The publication allowed fans who couldn’t see the play to experience the next chapter of the Harry Potter saga.