Mongrel UK 's Bryony writes about their work with Zendeh Theatre Company on the 'Flock' project
Mongrel UK is an international ensemble of young people aged 14 – 25 years, based at The Sage Gateshead and supported by partnerships with the North of England Refugee Service and Seven Stories. More details
Bryony from Mongrel UK gives us an insight into their latest production
Having previously worked with Zendeh, Mongrel UK is no stranger to this lively theatre company but a new project calls for new exciting ideas to construct and develop. ‘Flock’ is the new project and is based on Farid Attar’s ‘Conference of the birds’ and explores themes of Community, Discovery and Family told through a theatre in the dark style inviting the audience to blindly journey with the performers.
Mongrel UK have been working with Nazil Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh (Zendeh’s Director) for several weeks now engaging in a range of activities, from Augusto Boal rehearsal techniques to Nazil’s own intriguing exploration; these activities coupled with the introduction of crafting birds out of card is shaping Flock to be something quite special.
Members of the Mongrel team have said the experience so far has been fun and creative whilst also being calming. We have all embraced this new and inspirational way of creating and look forward to seeing what the finished product of our work will play out like.
Personally I think working with Zendeh is a great way for Mongrel to take a journey of their own, stepping out of their comfort zone and employing the use of techniques that may not be native to them but in the end have strengthened their creative spark. I definitely think that making our own bird to be used as personal props adds to this journey and brings the piece closer to the performers.
Find out more about Zendeh on their website.
