The Conference of the Birds

ABOUT

A new theatrical adventure from the Forman Brothers Theater, inspired by the work of Persian mystic Faríduddín Attár (1145–1221).

An allegorical tale of birds who long to find the true meaning of all things and restore peace and tranquility to the world. Actors and dancers from many countries around the world embark on a long journey to find a new king. On a journey full of adventure, they also look deep into their own hearts. Conceived as a journey to the self, the performance creates its own world based on the power of imagery, evocative movement, and an impressive atmosphere.

In addition to traditional theatrical means such as costumes, puppets, masks, and distinctive scenography, the creators use a system of powerful projectors to play animations on large-format projections. The images thus achieve extraordinary intensity and allow the audience to “fly” with the bird heroes through the vast space of the tent and become part of their story.

The original mobile tent, specially made for Ptačí sněm, measures 32.5 x 20 meters and has a reinforced floor weighing 52 tons. The interior, with seating for 334 spectators, is uniform and without supporting columns. This creates a perfect connection between the stage and the auditorium, as well as space for richly staged scenes and large decorations.

Don’t forget that entering the world of the Forman Brothers Theater means embarking on exciting journeys swept by the winds of poetry.

Creators

Director: Petr Forman

Screenplay: Ivan Arsenjev, Petr Forman, Jean Claude Carriére

Animation and art: Josef Lepša

Set design: Josef Lepša, Petr Forman

Music: Simon Thierrée (FRA)

Costumes and masks: Josef Lepša, Lenka Polášková

Cast

Expert guide to Attar’s world: Nora Sequardtová

Representatives of the bird world:

Marek Zelinka, Manuel Ronda (ITA), Rob Hayden (USA), Francois Brice (FRA), Milan Herich (SVK), Maureen Bator (FRA), Daniel Raček (SVK), Petr Forman, Veronika Švábová, Tereza Krejčová, Miroslav Kochánek, Zuzana Sýkorová, Petr Goro Horký, Ivan Arsenjev, Martin Štourač / Petr Vinecký, Philippe Leforestier (FRA) / Štěpán Pařízek, David Pražák, Hani Rabenhauptová

Voice of the Raven: Vladimír Javorský

Voice of the Old Man: Miroslav Krobot

Voices of the Persian Girl: Laya Khanjani (IRN)

Voice of the Narrator: Petr Forman