The Firebird

Underground Railway Theater’s (URT) color shadow-puppet version of The Firebird was originally commissioned by the Boston Symphony. The production’s exquisite partnering of the music and its stunning special effects (the character of the Firebird’s spirit, for instance, is a puppet of pure light) has made URT’s Firebird something of a classic in its kind, having been performed with many of the country's major orchestras over the last 25 years. The production has also represented the U.S. at many international festivals, not only in this country, but also in France, Spain, Greece, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The production has been awarded the highest distinction in the world of puppetry, the“Excellence in Puppetry” citation from the Union Internationale de la Marionette, the international puppet-guild.

For the most part the URT production follows the original scenario devised by Fokine for the Ballets Russe. However, in this version Ivan is a boy, not a prince, and for his dance with the thirteen princesses, the URT production substitutes a scene between the boy and the Firebird, which is considerably more compelling for young audiences. The designs for the grotesque creatures in “The Infernal Dance,” called ‘bobolichki’ (or ‘little monsters’) by Stravinsky, are based on a history of weapons in the West. Ivan and the Firebird are rendered in an impressionist style.

Before the performance of The Firebird, Debra Wise, the Artistic Director of URT, narrates an outline of the story and characters, and the orchestra plays a few short musical examples (in the manner of Peter and the Wolf). This introduction ensures that the younger members of the audience can follow the story during the performance and enhances everyone’s enjoyment of the music through the pleasure of recognition.

To extend and deepen the experience of the production for students, URT has crafted teachers’ materials and workshops based on the play and music.

A videotape of the production is available for preview.

BASIC TECH INFORMATION
Performed on platforms (24’ x 12’) above and behind orchestra (12’ clearance above platforms required).