Instrumentation

Female voices
spoken word
improvised percussion
flexible score
minimum 3 voices

Additional Information

BIRDS is a sung and spoken word piece that observes feminine ritual and behaviour through the lens of a documentary film narrator. BIRDS debuted at Turner Contemporary and Resort Studios, Margate on 12 March 2016 performed by a group of birds comprising old hens (some broody), young chicks, ugly ducklings and beautiful swans. These birds spoke and sung of flying the coop, feathering their nest, hen-pecking their husbands, having their feathers ruffled and being taken under a wing. Recruited through open call, the birds were introduced to BIRDS in a workshop on the premiere performance day. BIRDS was commissioned by POW Thanet International Women's Week and Pie Factory music.

 

They live in every corner of the globe

Elegantly simple, surprisingly complex

The most beguiling creatures on Earth

BIRDS

 

Tags

Details

Year

Margate
United Kingdom

Minutes
5

Recordings

Notes
Film by Tania Hoser, Sound by Emily Peasgood
Date recorded
12 March 2016
Performers
Community singers - open call workshop
Title
BIRDS (Sound track)
Venue
Turner Contemporary