The Shadow of the Hummingbird explores the loss of innocence and the need to maintain a sense of wonder at the fleeting beauty of the world. The play premiered at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, USA, in 2014, and an expanded version was subsequently staged at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town, as well as in Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. Athol Fugard returned to the stage for the first time in 15 years to play the role of Oupa in these two productions. This publication reflects the South African production, and is regarded by the authors as the final and definitive one.