A new adaptation from Aristophanes classic comedy

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EIGHT, an international collective of theatre designers and practitioners, in their final year of BA (Hons) in Theatre: Design for Performance at Central St Martins welcomes Jeremey Catterton, Co-founder of Collision Theatre (USA) to co-direct their version of Aristophanes' classic.

Aristophanes wrote The Birds as a light-hearted satire on Athens in 400BC. Just as the play spoke to Athenian audiences when first performed, the text still raises universal questions, today. Should political power be concentrated within a single leader? Can we trust politicians to serve the people rather than their own interests?

Inspired by the difficulties The Birds presents to a modern designer, EIGHT has focussed on finding visual solutions that emphasize the play's meaning and will stimulate contemporary audiences.

This modern-day adaptation is set in the heavens overlooking an apprehensive and fearful London. By accident, Pez and Eck manage to find themselves in the Kingdom of the birds. But upon arrival, they question the politics of the birds, and then decide to overthrow the ruling Hoopoe. Part terrorist and part con artist, Pez takes command of the birds. The beautiful Kingdom is soon plunged into cannibalism and chaos. However, we see that nature is fragile and these disturbance have unforeseen consequences.

Utilizing installation, puppetry, dance & film, The Birds promises to be a visual feast.

In addition to a professional cast of actors, EIGHT are joined by students from BA (Hons) Fine Art at Central St Martins and BA (Hons) Sound Art & Design at London College of Communication.

Suitable for ages 14+

Repeat performances each day at 5pm and 7pm - meet at The Innovation Centre, Procter Street, London WC1