Fowl Play: Conference of the Birds

Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre (CAMT), under the direction of Vit Horejs, performs "Fowl Play" an original puppet rock opera inspired by Farid us-Din Attar’s 12th century Sufi poem “The Conference of the Birds,” as re-told by contemporary illustrator and author, Peter Sis. In the story, a flock of birds seek their leader in vain. Performers will portray the birds on their quest over mountain ranges, through deserts and forests. Puppets, objects, and costumes will be designed in the style of Sis's colorful illustrations; and include feather boas, scarves, flags, flowers, banknotes, traffic tickets, dry leaves, newspapers, political and sales flyers, plastic bags, cans & bottles.

Avi composed all the songs, wrote and adapted lyrics from the translation by Peter Sis, and music directed the piece.

We had a wonderful 3 week run at La Mama’s Ellen Stewart Theater in the fall of 2024, and we aim to return this piece to the stage very soon!

Reviews:

• “the object-theatre rock opera, Conference of the Birds represents a bold new direction” https://cultbytes.com/the-story-behind-fowl-play-conference-of-the-birds-at-lamama/

• Featured in a WNYC gig alert featuring Avi’s music.

• “angular melodic art rock--a love child of Kurt Weill and Jimi Hendrix.” https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/article/Czechoslovak-American-Marionette-Theatre-Presents-FOWL-PLAY-CONFERENCE-OF-THE-BIRDS-At-La-MaMa-20241021