Faceless

Conference of the Birds is the Faceless Company's new non-verbal, visual, open air street theatre adventure set to an inspirational soundtrack and featuring energetic masks, flamboyant costumes and amazing puppets.

Inspired by a 13th century Sufi poem, the production involves a multi-cultural cast of professional street artists and puppeteers working alongside members of the community in the creation and performance of a magnificent inclusive outdoor production.

Through this new, exciting, street theatre performance, performed on a sculptural set to the music of Nitin Sawhney, Faceless aims to make relevant and accessible the philosophical teachings of Conference of the Birds.  That is, in order to make a change in the world, one must start with a thorough search of the self.  Through the development of this production, Faceless hopes to deliver positive images of Islamic and other world cultures which will resonate with audiences in the region, regardless of faith, language or culture.

Prior to each performance, professional actors work for three days with school and community groups of up to 30 to make their own masks and rehearse their roles as a flock of birds and a range of other characters.  The project responds to the needs of individual communities, creating a different experience for each performance inspired by that local community.  Performances have ranged from those at International Arts Festivals to theatre in parks and community run events in the local area, providing positive, developmental experiences for all

2007 Community participation funded by West Yorkshire Grants, a joint committee of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirkleess, Leeds and Wakefield Councils.

A portable creative activity space

Space to create is a pop up building, providing a safe, sheltered environment in which families and people of all ages can enjoy a range of creative arts activities together. At an impressive 8m diameter and 4m high, the airy open inflatable structure provides significant impact at both large and small events.

The Space is staffed by two community artists and a technician. It can be used indoors, weighted outdoors on hard standing or staked on grass. It is powered either by generator or mains electricity.

Within the Space, Faceless can tailor activities to suit the needs of communities or deliver up to two workshops in one day from the company?s wide of ranging repertoire of participatory arts workshops. We also use the Space as a venue for community consultation, live music, performances or themed events. SPACE FOR STORIES is a series of active drama based reading projects for pre and infant school children in a uniquely themed environment which matches the chosen book.