Taking Off The Bird Suit (NZICF 2016)

Taking Off The Bird Suit (NZICF 2016)

Project 2016-03-10 15:15:47 +1300

What is this show?

In the winter of 2014, international woman of improv Christine Brooks created and presented Taking Off The Bird Suit - an all-woman improvised show featuring a range of variously-experienced female improvisors at BATS Theatre. The name of the show comes from Margaret Atwood's 'Siren Song', a poem about a siren who wishes to take off her bird suit and have adventures other than simply being temptations for men:

Shall I tell you the secret
and if I do, will you get me
out of this bird suit?

Since that wonderful season (for which you can read a review here), she's toured the show and workshop internationally to various festivals (NZIF, Improvention, Würzburg), gathering fans and friends along the way.

Now, with her blessing, we're putting together a new cast for an upcoming season at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, this time led by Wellington improv babe Jennifer O'Sullivan. Exploring roles beyond the maiden, the mother, and the crone, these amazing women will present touching and hilarious spontaneous theatre. Hi-jinks and laughs a-plenty are guaranteed with this cast of smart, funny women.

"All in all, Taking off the Bird Suit is thoroughly and consistently entertaining and, most importantly, hilarious" – Word on the Street

Who is this show? 

The 2016 season is directed by Jennifer O'Sullivan, and our cast is made up of both experienced players and able newcomers. We come from a range of improv and theatre backgrounds, and are excited to see the magic that happens when our styles and influences interact. The cast:

Alayne Dick
Clare Kerrison
Dianne Pulham
Harriet Hughes
Gabby Anderson 
Josephine Byrnes
Katie Wilson 
Maria Williams
Susan Williams

Why is this show?

Christine was inspired to develop this show after looking at past Comedy Festival programmes and being a bit dismayed at the dearth of women there. She, and others in the cast, have experienced the benefits of being involved in all-women shows - it has made us stronger and more confident performers and we've had a lot of fun. Christine thought it would be cool to create this opportunity for some other women, and Jennifer had such a good time she wants to keep creating these opportunities! 

Because this project is about doing a rad show rather than economics, we've decided that all profits from the project will be donated directly to Wellington Women's Refuge. They do excellent and vital work on a shoestring budget and we are stoked to be able to support them with Taking Off The Bird Suit. 

When is this show?

6:30pm, Tuesday 10 - Saturday 14 May at BATS Theatre
Our Facebook event
The BATS Theatre page (yes, bookings are open now!)

Where is this show?

The wonderful BATS Theatre at 1 Kent Terrace on the Propeller Stage <3

How is this show?

We have a small budget, but there are inevitable expenses involved in presenting theatre. We are looking to you, our friends, family, social networks, and the wider theatre/improv community for support to assist in meeting the shortfall in our budget, which will in turn let us focus on presenting a strong, top quality show without worrying about the bottom line. Costs include:

• Rehearsal space
• Marketing (design, printing, and distribution)
• Venue fees

We have a range of rewards to fit any budget - honestly, anything you can give will mean the world to us. If you are interested in assisting this production in a contra or non-monetary way, we'd love to hear from you! And remember, if we meet our target, all profits will be donated to Wellington Women's Refuge, so a pledge above and beyond will be going to a very, very good home. 

Anything else?

I will tell the secret to you, 
to you, only to you. 
Come closer. This song 

is a cry for help: Help me! 
Only you, only you can, 
you are unique 

at last. Alas 
it is a boring song 
but it works every time.

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