MANILA, Philippines – From the moment news popped up that fans would see more new Harry Potter material in the form of a play, we've all been anticipating plot details and clues about the story of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Let's take a look at the new details which have been revealed since the announcement of the project:
According to Pottermore, a treasure trove of information for all things Harry Potter, the story will center around Harry and his son, Albus Severus, 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Fans will remember that Harry marries Ginny Weasley and has 3 kids, James Sirius, Albus Severus, and Lily Luna. At the end of book 7, Harry sends James and Albus off to Hogwarts, and all is well.
Here's the official synopsis from Pottermore:
"It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of 3 school-age children.
"While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places."
Here's the official artwork, showing a sad young boy seated inside what looks like a straw version of a Golden Snitch, that special ball that wizards and witches use to play Quidditch.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The official artwork for Harry Potter and the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CursedChild?src=hash">#CursedChild</a> has been revealed: <a href="https://t.co/ZN8XJfaytj">https://t.co/ZN8XJfaytj</a> <a href="https://t.co/vhJoGJRJfm">pic.twitter.com/vhJoGJRJfm</a></p>— Pottermore (@pottermore) <a href="https://twitter.com/pottermore/status/657271399367757826">October 22, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Rowling has also been very clear about the fact that Cursed Child is not a prequel.
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So now you know it really isn't a prequel: Harry Potter & the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CursedChild?src=hash">#CursedChild</a> starts <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/19yearslater?src=hash">#19yearslater</a>! Go to <a href="https://twitter.com/HPPlayLDN">@HPPlayLDN</a> for more information.</p>— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/657512509105184768">October 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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It was also announced that the play will be in two parts. Rowling wrote the story with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Due to the epic nature of the story we’ve been working on, Harry Potter & the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CursedChild?src=hash">#CursedChild</a> will be in two parts! <a href="https://twitter.com/HPPlayLDN">@HPPlayLDN</a></p>— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/647153651681751041">September 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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According to the play's website, the play is one production presented in two parts, "intended to be seen in order on the same day (matinee and evening) or on two consecutive evenings."
The play will begin its run July 2016 in London, with previews beginning May 2016. – Rappler.com