The Murmuration of Lost Birds

For some years WAAPA’s Bachelor of Performing Arts, Performance Making students have been collaborating with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, for their ultimate performance project. Always an excellent partnership, this year’s The Murmuration of Lost Birds, with its themes of young birds leaving the nest and flying off into an uncertain future, was particularly poignant, and I felt privileged to witness this charming cohort’s last ever performance together.

A series of vignettes and beautifully co-ordinated stylised movement was linked together with an overarching story of birds on an island (or more specifically a rock in the ocean). Delightful performances from Martyr - Em Jenkins, Explorer - Fletcher Scully, Anxious - Iris Warren, Mother - Tiahna Johnson, Orphan - Sam Rumpel and Clueless - Tahlia Zipper, who puppeteered with expertise, created distinct characters, and worked well together.

Using a variety of puppet forms, the cohort, dressed in flowing back skirts, accentuating their movement, were lit with great attention to emotion, from a design by Isla Simeoni.

A heart-warming final piece, that was yet another testament to the talents of this group young people. I hope that these birds will touch down in theatres near us soon.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Stephen Heath