Bird Song
The Stage

Sound is central to this work, with more than a hundred different sound sources from classical to jazz and the latest digital samplings. At its heart is the song of the Australian Pied Butcher Bird, which is a series of notes it rearranges into different sequences of signalling and display. Rather than being birds, the dancers explore the shape of the sounds scored by Andy Pink. A sensory light experience created by David Ward bathes the eight dancers and colours the flooring. The audience sit in a square around the space, giving a greater intimacy to a performance of, at times, quicksilver and witty efficiency.

Some moments seem improvised, with some excellent solos including Henry Montes' superb dancing and understanding of the power of stillness. Pari Naderi and Mariusz Raczynski, two new dancers, enhance this piece. Naderi is both elegant and compelling to watch while Raczynski brings a smooth subtlety to his work.