YSKP Presents "The Conference of the Birds"

Cast and Puppets from the YSKP"s production The Conference of the Birds. Front Row: Lela Dewey, Lili Rudolf, Greta Kremer. Back Row: Zeb Reichert, Ben Green, Lenaya Leeds, Lindsey Leist, Alex Thorp.
Photo: Pierre Nagley

The YS Kids Playhouse Wings of Wisdom Season, takes flight with The Conference of the Birds, a new jazz musical based on the 12th century Sufi fable by Farid ud-Din Attar, directed by YSKP Artistic Director, John Fleming, with original music by Neal Kirkwood. Twenty youth actors, ages 12-17, will perform the musical under the stars in the Antioch College Amphitheater on Corry Street, Thursdays-Sundays, July 8-18, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 and $12 at the gate, or five tickets for $35, available only as advanced purchase. www.yskp.org, or call 767-7800.

The musical uses the acclaimed stage adaptation of The Conference of the Birds by Peter Brook along with lyrics by John Fleming. The story recounts the journey of a group of birds on their way to the mythical land of Simorgh searching for a new King. Although each bird has a special talent and significance, they want to drop out; each offering an excuse why they are unable to endure the journey. Themes of longing, unity, and self-realization are addressed as each bird finds inner strength to continue on. When they finally arrive in the land of Simorgh — all they see is their own reflection in the lake. "The Conference of the Birds holds a message of unity, hope, and the power to overcome self-doubt." says Fleming.

Neal Kirkwood, accomplished musician and composer from New York, returns for his third year with YSKP. Music for the show will be performed by the Gorilla My Love Band featuring Harry Mann, also of New York. The visually stunning production will feature both hand-held and large puppets by D. Tristan Culp of Dayton’s Zoot Theater Company. Pierre Nagley, area muralist and artist, tries his artistic hand with costumes and again gives the production its dramatic mural in the amphitheater. The production’s choreographer is dancer, Tricia Gelmini and will feature Sufi dances and movement inspired by G.I. Gurdjieff. Brian Springer, media artist, stages special effects. YSKP alum Peter Keahey, on summer break from Ithaca College is the stage manager, and Callie Schuterra, a Cincinnati Conservatory of Music student, is the acting coach and production assistant.

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YS Kids Playhouse features three additional events to The Conference of The Birds production as part of the Yellow Springs Experience, a 10-day immersion in the arts and culture of Yellow Springs, with workshops, tours, arts making, and performances. On Saturdays, July 10 and 17, the public is invited to join in traditional Sufi Dance at 6pm at the Antioch Amphitheater on Corry Street. On July 13, Neal Kirkwood and Gorilla My Love will perform at a Jazz and Wine Tasting at The Emporium, from 7-9pm.