What's On
The Birds Only The Birds Can See
26th January 2012 to 5th February 2012 - 7.45pm
Price: £12, £10 conc
Venue: Studio
The Birds, Only the Birds Can See
Two stories intertwine with each other until they become one.
The first story is told in the present. The play begins with a poem, it echoes into the past, where bells of truth make sounds that resonate to the heart. It may be disturbing and real, but the journey for Lilly is about to end. For those who are watching, the journey has just begun.
Lilly unexpectedly, finds herself in a poetry class. Maybe, just maybe, by finding a way to tell her story, it might release her from the past. Jason her teacher, a cold hearted man makes it all uncomfortable. Only the best are selected for the exam and she’s not one of them. Despite the rejection, Lilly has a choice, whether to give up and leave the course, or to fight?
As the poem is being told, we jump to the second story, which is the past. Lilly’s wish is to be a dancer, an unexpected stranger arrives just in time. Thinking he’s about to change her life for the better, he takes her to a house to be sex trafficked. Lilly is beaten up and forced to give services to men. Unable to go anywhere through fear of being killed, her only hope is to find comfort in drugs.
Too much of a wish, can destroy a dream.
This is a poetic play and it includes physical theatre and songs.
Review of The birds, only the birds can see
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"A Truthful
and Emotive Production" by Karla Leigh Mouncey-Jaggers for remotegoat on 19/01/12
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'The
Birds Only the Birds can See' is a show with a wide variety of styles. The play
tells the story of two seemingly unrelated girls as they endure very different
life trials. Neurotic Lily claws her way into a poetry class only to be rejected
from the exam. Whilst simultaneously Rosa is kidnapped and forced into sex
trafficking and drug addiction.
This play is very powerful and through
the use of physical theatre and music a world of strong emotion is portrayed.
When the audience enters we were greeted by the beautiful and soulful music of a
live guitar. This was the only sound effect used during the whole production.
Although simple it was extremely atmospheric. As we entered we were also watched
from the stalls by a sinister looking Steven Sutherland playing
Jake.
Sutherland remained on stage the entire time with a charming yet
eerie presence. He commanded the stage even when he wasn't in focus. His vocal
skills created a tragically beautiful aura surrounding the two girls. He played
the puppet master brilliantly with Satan-like ambience .
The physical
theatre was spectacular, the mixture of fluid movement juxtaposed with jarring
and ridged twitches was genius. It seemed perfectly in tune with the play which
is rare with such a strong mixture of naturalism and surrealism. In contrast the
stage combat was sloppy, there were times when a kick or punch looked very fake.
This was highlighted because it stood next to such flawless movement
pieces.
The staging was minimal but very expressive. With flashes of red
thrown in at opportune moments the acting and writing were complemented well by
sparse props and set.
The direction was very intentional and
unfortunately her fingerprints were very evident. It was clear that this was
developed for a theatre with three sides. A lot of the time long monologues were
split between looking at each section of the audience for equal time. I could
almost predict at what moment the actor would turn to a different
side.
This play was deeply moving and I commend the writer for addressing
such a harsh subject realistically. However I was very disappointed with the
end. After tackling such a brave subject instead of letting the scene play out
and leave the audience with a lasting and strong image the writer chose to take
the easy way out. They made the ending a confusing and indecisive one. I found
myself shutting off when they started quoting statistics and biblical
references. What could have been powerful and poignant ending became a coward's
way out. I found myself dissatisfied in a way that a 'it was all a dream' ending
would feel.
The majority of this play was excellent and I throughly
enjoyed all the acting and musical elements. I would recommend it to anyone
looking for a powerful representation of real life events. Do be warned this is
not suitable for anyone under fifteen.
