Described by the La Dance Chronicle as “an extraordinary theater experience that bordered on being a spiritual journey…a symphony without any other musical instruments”, The Conference of the Birds follows the birds of the world who embark on a journey to find their sovereign, Simorgh, a divine/mythical creature. Led by the wise Hoopoe they travel through Seven Valleys, each a spiritual realm of understanding that unfolds as they journey toward Simorgh’s sanctuary. The libretto is drawn from Sufi mystic poet Attar’s seminal text about the journey of the soul as it seeks union with the Divine.

The oratorio is composed by Fahad Siadat with a libretto by Sholeh Wolpé and directed/choreographed by André Megerdichian. The story is structured like nesting dolls, utilizing smaller tales and parables nestled within a larger narrative to advance the voyage of the birds. The result is an engaging and soul-lifting spiritual journey that not only illustrates the core tenets of the Sufi mystical path but also metaphorically addresses our 21st century spiritual and environmental woes. This project is an opportunity to explore further the relationship between musical principles and the ecstatic experience within Sufi spiritual practice, especially the experience of deindividuation—shedding of one’s ego—which is a core feature of a wayfarer’s path.

The Conference of the Birds is told entirely through movement and a cappella song. The work utilizes virtuosic physicality and musical techniques found in singing styles across the globe. The chorus moves throughout the work embodying the birds on the journey while also functioning musically as the ‘orchestra’ to tell the story and support the vocal solos. They are accompanied throughout the narrative by two dancers who serve as physical manifestations of the ideas being sought.

The result is a landscape of visceral movement and sound outside of any one cultural tradition, creating a poignant and relatable experience through the human body and voice.

 For more information on how to bring The Conference of the Birds to your community, please visit www.ConferenceOfBirds.Info