The Conference of Birds
The Conference of Birds was performed at the John Rupert Theatre in Graaff-Reinet.
Magic in Nieu Bethesda
A visual and intellectual feast was to be had at the Bethesda Theatre Company’s performance of The Conference of Birds by Jeni Couzyn. The play is a modern adaptation of the great Persian epic. The story tells of a desperate journey through seven valleys of hardship and confusion undertaken by the birds in search of their king. Bethesda residents and visitors roared with laughter and delight as they watched the magic unfold under the black night and bright stars of this unique open-air theatre. Adults and children alike were captivated and entranced as Bethesda actors created a truly impressive performance.
Rigorous training
Eight weeks of daily rehearsals at the Bethesda Arts Centre has seen members of the Nieu Bethesda community undertake a rigorous training with tuition in drama, music, voice-training, instrumental tuition, and even set-design. Their commitment and dedication over the period has paid off and they have now launched themselves as a serious theatre company with upcoming performances in Graaff-Reinet and Grahamstown.
A visual delight
The production at the Bethesda Arts Centre is community theatre at its very best. Two hours of spectacular dance, music and dialogue are complemented with original costumes and masks. Under a cyclorama of shifting clouds, falling snow, and dazzling stars, a croup of birds including eagles in battered dinner suits, a nightingale in full song, a pair of strutting peacocks, and rugby hooligan hawks, set off on a hilarious journey. The play is full of surprises, humour and visual delight.
Brilliant – a Conference of Birds to remember!
Nieu Bethesda ceramic artists Charmaine and Martin Hayes had one excited word to sum up their experience of The Conference of Birds – “Brilliant!” As a mark of their appreciation and support for the Arts Centre’s work, they donated a brand new kiln to the Centre’s sculpture studio.
© Copyright Bethesda Foundation, Bethesda Arts Centre, 2005
Registered Charity 1089122
