The Conference of the Birds

When
Event has passed (Fri Sep 9, 2016 - Sun Sep 11, 2016)
Cost
$25 - $100
Tags
Theater, Performance Arts, Dance, Modern Dance

Description

September 9 at 8pm; September 10 at 2pm and 8pm; September 11 at 4pm

Two local organizations, EnActe and Sangam arts will join forces to present The Conference of the Birds. Based on the ancient Sufi poem of the same name and hugely regarded in global performance and dance circles, the storyboard was written by the Academy-award winner screenwriter Jean Claude Carriere, and translated and directed by none other than the legendary British theater and film director, Peter Brook.

A mystical allegorical rendering of Sufi belief, The Conference of the Birds takes the viewer on an epic journey that features the birds of the world who living without a king gather together in order to crown one. The Hoopoe, considered the wisest, suggests they seek out the Simorgh, a mythical Persian bird that approximates the western Phoenix. Under the leadership of the Hoopoe, the birds-each representing a human fault that prevents man from attaining enlightenment-embark on an arduous journey. When the birds finally reach the end of that journey, the dwelling place of the Simorgh, all they find is a lake and their own reflection. The question may be asked, is this the end of their journey or the beginning?

Fifteen actors and singers along with thirty dancers will bring this acclaimed dance theater work-based on the ancient Sufi poem of the same name-to vivid life; dance styles represented and integrated into the whole of production include:

Herons: Folklorico (Los Lupenos de San Jose)
Phoenix and Peacocks: Chinese (Hai Yan Chinese Dance Company)
Sparrow: Contemporary Ballet (sjDanceCo)
Moths: Kathak (Antara Bhardwaj)
Parrots: Bharatanatyam (Navia Dance Academy)
Ducks: Hula (Halau Napuaokamokihana oha)
Partridges: Belly Dancers (Hala Dance)
Walking Bird: Aztec (Yoli Parra)
Simorgh: Persian/Silk Road Sufi (Saher Dehghan Dance Company)
Owl: Afro Brazilian (World Dance Fusion)
Exotic Birds: Odissi (Guru Shradha Dance Company)

Schedule

Mexican Heritage Plaza
1700 Alum Rock Ave
San Jose, CA
Event has passed

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Location

  1. Mexican Heritage Plaza
    1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA