To celebrate their 30th anniversary, the Victorian Youth Theatre present a limited return season of their acclaimed production of The Conference of the Birds at Chapel Off Chapel from 1 October 2014.
Adapted for the stage by Peter Brook and Jean-Claude Carrière in 1979, Farid ud-Din Attar’s 4,500-line poem describes the journey undertaken by the birds of the world to seek their King, the mythical Simorgh – a beautiful and benevolent bird of Persian myth.
To find him, the birds must travel over a vast stretch of deserts and valleys. In this journey the birds explore deep spiritual questions, reflecting the individual’s search for enlightenment. Spurred on in their quest, the birds are constantly tempted from their flight plan by weaknesses and fragility.
The Conference of the Birds is an opulent mystery, inviting audiences on a journey far from traditional narrative and performance styles – it combines movement, music and storytelling to create a moving theatrical experience. It features a cast of 20 talented performers.
“It has been a wonderful journey these past 30 years to see how the Victorian Youth Theatre has grown” said Director Robert Coates.
“We thought it was a fitting celebration to remount this production which is in itself a voyage of discovery and enlightenment. It has been an honour to work with such talented young actors and to bring quality entertainment for and by young people to the Fringe Festival.”
The Conference of the Birds
Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Season: 1 – 4 October 2014
Bookings: (03) 8290 7000 or online at: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au for details.
Image: courtesy of Victorian Youth Theatre