Secret Language of Birds

Ever since the Spectacle, I have been really eager to see another show by Red Moon. Focusing on the spectacle and production over the other Aristotlean elements, Red Moon produces some really exciting, innovative, creative stuff. Once Upon a Time, or The Secret Language of Birds was no exception.

Using the toy theatre tradition, Secret Language told a one-hour story of a girl who must rescue all of the birds and the dream-songs they sing from a nefarious, jaded Bird Thief who wants to mechanize them into cuckoo clocks. There was one sweet-faced narrator, who voiced most of the characters, and three puppeteers, who were also visible. It was a terribly sweet, and surprisingly interesting story, focusing on inner conviction. In addition to being live, the toy theatre was video-projected (good, since it was in miniature scale), creating an interesting dynamic. The puppets and set were created using painted collage and lots of bits of string.

(the stage left side of the toy theatre,
about 3' tall)

Falling into the category of "something I could never do," I would still love to get involved with them. And maybe try to write them some grants so that they can continue to do their work.

Also, the story begged the question: What bird sings your dream? I suspect my bird would be fairly ordinary, if a bit odd. Nothing sweet or exotic. Hopefully nothing super-mundane. Thoughts? What is your bird?

on Pandora: "Rex Kramer" - Gomez