Short description

An allegorical tale leads us on the journey of the human spirit in its quest for truth. Based on a 12th century Persian poem, adapted by JeanClaude Carriere and Peter Brook. Familyfriendly entertainment.

This event has been viewed 729 times
Last viewed on September 3, 2010, 12:46 am
It was last updated on April 29, 2008, 5:57 pm
It was originally posted: 2008-01-29 15:05:28
By Key City Players

DESCRIPTION

An allegorical tale leads us on the journey of the human spirit in its quest for truth.

Adapted by Jean-Claude Carriere & Peter Brook

Based on a 12th-century Persian poem
by Farid ud-Din Attar

Directed by Marc Weinblatt

First Thursday (April 24) is "pay-what-you-wish" night — Sponsored by the Port Townsend Arts Commission.

Second Saturday (April 26) is a pre-show wine and cheese reception with the director and artistic director — $20. Attendance is limited; call 360-379-0195 for reservations.

Brunch on the Set: Dine with actors from the show! Our signature brunch is served on the set the Sunday morning after the show closes (May 11 at 11:00 am.) Cost: $50 per brunch. Attendance is limited; call 360-379-0195 for reservations.

The Conference of the Birds is sponsored by Belltower Art.

User-Submitted Reviews

average rating: - from 1 reviewer
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“The Conference of the Birds”, inspired by an epic Persian poem by Farid Ud-din Attar long before being transformed into theatre by Peter Brook and his traveling troupe of actors, is reinterpreted for us by the show’s Director (Marc Weinblatt). Poetry and Sufi philosophy are essential to our understanding (sure-fire in Port Townsend where, if you feel faint, the ambulance drops you off at a wellness clinic.) Not being sure who contributed what/when, two concepts. Adding supernumeraries would allow one bird to “die” after each treacherous valley crossing. And while purity is often linked with collective consciousness, second soliloquies and solo songs could demonstrate how individual characters are being altered by events. But hey. The white sand and the blank-palette sky (Kevin Coker) took us to a desert where colorful lights and mirages (Albert Mendez) rule and where feathered costumes (Erin McNamara) can elevate a static poetry recital into choreographed flights above the clouds. The ensemble cast, guided wisely by Hoopoe (DD Wigley), was good. The opening invocation by Composer/Onstage Musician (Lawrence Cole), full-throated and deeply transcendent, was a tough act to follow, though Heron’s (Aimee Kelley Spencer) harmonies blended nicely. Mr. Cole’s flute, harp, drum and bells were masterful. The soprano song of Nightingale (Alia Stevens) was a high point, beautiful to behold and lovely to listen to. Memorable performances were clearly defined and consistent throughout. Peacock (Rebecca May) and Falcon (Heather Poulson) were always riveting. And lowly Sparrow (Sam Cavallaro) was a constant comfort to the audience. Dove (Rowen Matkins), Owl (Mickey McKinney), Duck (Kenneth Reid), and Parrot (Rosaletta Curry) were effective though I kept hoping Owl would find something in the sand to further festoon his feathered cap. Our avian travelers encounter a dozen different desert denizens (Lawrason Driscoll). On balance, I give this production of “The Conference of the Birds” 4 amateur stars.

-Steve Treacy April 20, 2008, 1:02 pm

REVIEWS & PREVIEWS

User-Submitted Reviews

Kitsap Sun Review by Michael C. Moore Tuesday, April 29, 2008 [D]irector Marc Wineblatt\'s rich and utterly satisfying production ... is one gorgeous, mind-bending and moving ride. (read article) Port Townsend-Jefferson County Leader Review by Kathie Meyer, Arts Editor Thursday, April 24, 2008 Not everyone will agree on what \'just happened\' upon emerging from the theater, but everyone should find something personal to take away... (read article) SeattleActor.com Review by Jerry Kraft Thursday, April 24, 2008 [T]he quality of this work stands up to any of the smaller theatres (and many productions at the majors) in the City. (read article)

average rating: - from 1 reviewer Read complete reviews “The Conference of the Birds”, inspired by an epic Persian poem by Farid Ud-din Attar long before being transformed into theatre by Peter Brook and hi ... -Steve Treacy April 20, 2008, 1:02 pm

COMPLETE SCHEDULE

  Friday, April 18, 2008 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Sunday, April 20, 2008 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
  Thursday, April 24, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Friday, April 25, 2008 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Sunday, April 27, 2008 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
  Thursday, May 1, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Friday, May 2, 2008 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Sunday, May 4, 2008 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
  Thursday, May 8, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Friday, May 9, 2008 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

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