The Firebird
The Firebird is a live performance to the original composition by Igor Stravinsky, with puppetry and dance performance designed and directed by Janni Younge of Handspring Puppet Company and choreographed by Jay Pather.
Also referred to as Die Vuurvoël in Afrikaans reviews.
Contents
The original text
According to the Janni Younge Productions website, the production was "... a puppet and dance performance set to Stravinsky’s original score ... [drawing on] ... the symbolism and dramaturgy of Fokine’s original choreography (based on figures from Russian folklore) and reinterprets them in a contemporary South African setting, using larger-than-life puppets and African dance forms."[1]
The idea was proposed by IMG Artist International and was undertaken by Janni Younge Productions in association with IMG.
Direction and puppet design and construction by Janni Younge and a team of 14 puppet makers , the piece used the original music of Igor Stravinsky, with costume designs by Birrie le Roux, lighting by Mannie Manim and choreography by Jay Pather. A team of 20 worked on the production.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
2016: Die Vuurvoël performed at Artscape, 24-26 June.
2016: Performed at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown on 30 June and 1 July.
2016: The production then undertook a tour of America from 20 July to 12 August, starting in Philadelphia, then playing Washington, Chicago, Sun Valley, Los Angeles and New York.
Sources
https://www.janniyounge.com/the-firebird-show
Mariana Malan. 2016. Die Vuurvoël binnekort uit SA na Hollywood. Die Burger. Aktueel. 4 Mei 2016: p.3[2]
Mariana Malan. 2016. Younge gaan met ‘kreature’ imponeer. Die Burger 16 May 2016[3]
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