The Conference of the Birds
Persian Sufi Poem (1157 CE) by Farid Uddi Attar adapted by Susan Estelle Kelso
Presented by The VORTEX Summer Youth 2003
VORTEX Summer Youth presents The Conference of the Birds, from a Persian Sufi Poem (1157 CE) by Farid Uddi Attar, adapted and arranged by Susan Kelso. Directed by VORTEX Company Member, Wendy Goodwin. Previously produced at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA, this production marks the Texas debut of Kelso's adaptation.
A beautiful and inspiring tale, Conference of the Birds gathers together diverse birds for a spiritual journey. These birds explore life, love, and death through story and parable. Dynamic stylized movement and sound support a vibrant telling of this ancient tale for modern audiences.
Summer Youth Theatre's ensemble of 17 teenagers collaborates with adult guest artists including actors and designers. Adult actors include: Matthew Patterson, Traci Laird, & Edmund Pantuliano.
Directed by Wendy Goodwin
Adapted & Arranged by Susan Kelso
Scenic Designer: Ann Marie Gordon
Lighting Designer: Jason Amato
Costume Designer: Kari Perkins
Sound Designer: Chad Salvata
Choreographer: Le Easter
Now in its 12th year, VORTEX's Summer Youth Theatre presents high-caliber theatrical productions and has received B. Iden Payne and Critics' Table Awards for past productions including Moby Dick, Machinal, The Frogs, and Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. SYT's other past works include Cyrano, Animal Farm, The Madwoman of Chaillot, The Insect Comedy, An Enemy of the People, Rhinoceros, The Skin of Our Teeth, and Step on a Crack.
Summer Youth Theatre is funded in part by The VORTEX Repertory Company, the City of Austin under the auspices of the Austin Arts Commission and by the Texas Commission on the Arts.
Learn more about the cast and production at Conference for the Birds performance website.
