Manipulate 2016: Birdheart @ Traverse, 3 Feb

Review by Amanda Fleet | 08 Feb 2016

A single egg lies upon a layer of sand on a raised table. Highlighted by a spotlight in the centre of the stage, the egg gradually cracks open and within the next thirty minutes of Julian Crouch and Saskia Lane’s visually stunning piece of animated theatre, the audience explore the many forms of the emerging creature, with the use of a sandpit, some small objects scattered throughout the landscape and most importantly, a brown paper bag.

Part of Manipulate Festival’s 2016 programme, Birdheart is a project developed by world renowned theatre designer Crouch, known for his large-scale designs and Lane, a member of New York band The Lascivious Biddies. The duo are both skilled puppeteers, effortlessly moving in synchronisation with one another and with the puppet. Their carefully choreographed movements blend into the performance as the creature continuously evolves; repeatedly falling apart and rebuilding itself as something new; curiously surveying its surroundings as it dances and stumbles across its tabletop world. The piece perfectly captures the awkwardness and uncertainty of new life being thrust into the world, struggling to find its feet. The creature evolves rapidly, striving to fly free from the confinements of its solitary existence.

Crouch and Lane’s first duo puppeteer collaboration is incredibly charming, with the brilliance lying in the sheer simplicity of the concept. The carefully thought out yet seemingly effortless intricacy creates an honest and captivating animation, and although only a short piece, it creates a lasting impression.


Birdheart, part of Manipulate 2016, Traverse Theatre, run ended.

http://manipulatefestival.org