THE ENCHANTED FOREST
The Enchanted Forest is a 30 minute contemporary circus performance fusing aerial arts, stilt dance, character performance and physical theatre to weave together a fantastical visual tale. As the light of Summer and the magic of the forest begins to fade, two forest spirits find strength to help three Birds with their transition to a new home. While all three birds must prepare for migration, the youngest is just learning how to fly with the group, while the oldest prepares for what will likely be her last flight. In a sacred space held by the quiet wisdom of the trees, the Birds each find their path ahead through dazzling displays of flight.
The Enchanted Forest is the latest imagining of our original Birds of Flight show, essentially in evolution since our inception of the company and drawing from the mythology of our namesake Hercinia bird. Our original bird characters were first realized as part of our ‘Magical Music Box’ installation performances in 2010 before they evolved into the Birds of Flight show in 2016, alongside our living forest creatures. This latest incarnation brings these characters together into an enchanted world, using the metaphor of the bird’s migration to examine the path forward for all of us as travellers at this current climate crossroads.
Original Concept: Natalie Parkinson Dupley
Creation and Choreography: Natalie Parkinson Dupley, Emily Hughes & the performers past & present
Current Cast: Vanita Butrsingkorn, Valerie Cheng, Kirsten Edwards, Zita Nyarady & Edio Silvio
with thanks to past cast members: Sandra Crljenica, Natalie Parkinson Dupley & Mark Segal
Directed by: Emily Hughes
The Enchanted Forest premiered as part of Arts in the Parks Toronto, August 2023 at Flagstaff Park
Highlight performances of Birds of Flight include: Arts in the Parks Toronto 2018, Canada 150 Celebrations at Nathan Phillips Square & Mel Lastman Square, Canada Day Celebrations at Mississauga Celebration Square