BIRD at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts

The Lustrum Award Winner (Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023) and critically acclaimed – 'Powerful & Captivating ' ????? The Scotsman, - BIRD is the stage sequel to our critically acclaimed dance film Catch The Bird Who Won’t Fly, choreographed by Amina Khayyam.

BIRD opens with a striking silent scream – connected to the experiences of domestic violence survivors. The desire to break free is accompanied by uncertainty about the future.

BIRD started in a workshop with a women’s community group where a participant asked – 'What happens to a woman when she runs away from domestic abuse?' a question often targeted at the stigma and cultural pressure in communities of those who escape it or try to.

The tone, the expression, the nervousness in her voice, the looking away after she asked the question, prompted this scalding emphatic kathak influenced piece exploring the social stigma for women in such a situation.

Amina Khayyam said 'All issues relating to women are a huge part of AKDC’s work and one of the re-occurring themes that keeps coming up again and again is domestic violence within the community. In our digital work Catch The Bird Who Won’t Fly we explored experiences of the perception felt by women that they have no option available to them, so they stay with their abusers… and the difficult decision they made and the dynamic relationship with external agencies and other DV leavers when they find themselves being hurled together in a refuge home or sheltered place'

High energy Kathak weaves the story to a specially commissioned live music score.

‘Very touching and a must see …..The style of dance is a beautiful mix of traditional Indian dance and lyrical or contemporary styles, all of which make us want to follow each movement with our heads like a serpent snake. It is hypnotic.’ ???? Jessica Leanne | Broadway Baby

‘Fear punctuates the fluid dancing in this tale of domestic violence.’ The Guardian

‘A visually and emotionally gripping show with layers of choreographic images. Three dancers swirl, strike and flutter to complex rhythms from three onstage musicians. The work adeptly combined Indian classical dance and contemporary dance elements... a visually entrancing piece. You won't want to miss this one!’ Audience Member | Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023

Courtyard Theatre

£18