The Birds Conference

The Birds' Conference is the adaptation of the 12th century Persian poem Conference Of The Birds by Farid Ud-Din Attar. As part of her PhD at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), performer and creator Elnaz Sheshgelani has adapted the poem. As part of her study of the ancient Persian dramatic practice, Naghali, Sheshgelani resurrects the practice, which originated in pre-Islamic times, utilising puppets, experimental music and lighting effects to explore the themes of existentialism and the purpose of existence. The work is hands-on and lo-fi in its execution. Large cardboard puppets representing individual animals are placed on the stage by Sheshgelani throughout the performance.

The live score is provided by Simon Fisher and Ren Walters who use a variety of percussion and stringed instruments to create an ethereal and sparse soundtrack. Clinton Green manually mixes colourful kaleidoscopic collages by picking up and moving projectors or by using them as follow-spots to illuminate the action onstage. Sheshgelani is an endearing performer and has created a unique experience. Her puppets are cleverly designed and are a worthy centrepiece. At times, however, Sheshgelani's performance is overbearing and jarring, particularly when she plays the hag/witch character. Nevertheless, Sheshgelani's intermixing of singing with Persian and English dialogue creates a work that is often weird yet engaging for its one-hour duration.