In 2012 local author Katherine Catmull published her fantasy novel Summer and Bird. The story takes readers on an adventure from Up (our world) to Down (the bird world).
The story is navigated by two smart, strong, stubborn, loving, and brave sisters, Summer and Bird. It's a complete delight of a book, filled with achingly beautiful prose creating a new fantasy world that feels connected to a tradition of fairy tale storytelling, while being wholly and completely its own creation. And the story, of two girls whose family may be breaking up in spite of the love they share also felt very relevant and meaningful to children who might be in a similar, though possibly less fantastical, situation.
All of which inspired AP's creative team to commission Katherine to adapt her novel to a stage play.
We think there are tons of reasons to check out the world premiere of Summer and Bird, but we asked director Lara Toner Haddock to write up her top 10!
10. Because when you were little you longed for more
adventure stories with strong, smart, real girls.
9. Because you know someone who needs to be introduced to
the magic of theatre.
8. Because you believe in giving books a new life. All the puppets are made from recycled
hardbacks destined for the great library in the sky. Now they’ve been
transformed into parrots, sparrows, owls, flocks of birds, and the cutest baby
phoenix you’ve ever seen.
7. Because you’re obsessed with Game of Thrones, but it’s
only on once a week and you need to see more awesome girls wielding sharp
objects defending the realm.
6. Because you believe in supporting local art and local
artists.
5. Because you don’t want to anger The Puppeteer. Seriously.
Don’t make this lady mad. She eats birds.
4. Because your heart will grow three sizes watching Sarah
Chong Harmer take care of a baby phoenix.
3. Because you’re doing it for the kids. Your ticket to a
public performance subsidizes free tickets for elementary students.
2. Because you want to learn the bird language too (hint:
Birdsong is a map!).
1. And the #1 reason to see Summer and Bird…. Because it’s a
really wonderful story. And the world needs more of those.
Summer and Bird runs May 3 - 12 at Austin Playhouse.
Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm
Box office: 512-476-0084 or online here.
No comments:
Post a Comment