This is an Origin story. It is a reflection on the destruction and diminution of beauty, and the elimination of balance.

Song of Crow! commences with time before Earth; the witty, sardonic, passionate and disappointed figure of Crow journeys us through mankind’s unhappy development from a creation living in balance with Nature, to an alienated species attempting domination of Nature. The work is not didactic – Man is allowed to present an argument for why we have behaved as we have, the hardships and cruelty of life are cited as reasons. The work leads to the point of understanding what matters is where we are now, how we choose to move forward. How, from now on, will we opt to care for our Earth?

Working with a compelling script and an excellent company of professional performers and musician/composers, we are seeking to push the boundaries of the theatrical art form in our artistic quest, through text, sound, music, song, movement, film, and lighting.

What we'll deliver:

• Bring performances of Song of Crow! to Reading and London with a view to touring 2016/17
• Draw the audience into the heart of the work and using their engagement to develop the piece further.
• Run 3 intensive workshops to develop the script with a company of professional performers and musicians.

Why it's a great idea:

Song of Crow! encourages a fresh engagement with the most urgent issue of our time – our current journey into ecological catastrophe. It is an invigorating work that seeks to stimulate an audience with its multi-disciplinary approach and presentation. The audience are the focus of the work-in-progress performances. Through discussion and feedback, they have the opportunity to input into the work and share a sense of ownership.

It also gives the performers and musicians a particularly rich opportunity for professional development, especially those who are in the early stage of their career. It allows free and full experimentation without sole focus on end product;

Steps to get it done:

• A project manager has been recruited and is organising workshop and performance dates.
• The piece has been cast with professional performers, musicians and a director.
• Both the project manager and Dramaturg have researched and visited performance venues.
• Jennifer Leach, Director of Outrider Anthems has produced a final version of the script and is Dramaturg for the piece.
• Music to accompany the script is currently being composed and re-worked.

Creation’s challenge to Mankind, the species that has fallen out of love with its own habitat and its own creativity...

Song of Crow! is, in concept, a radical work of theatre, a vision clearly shared by those who have committed to co-developing it. Essentially, we need the space, opportunity and funding to explore interpretation and presentation, before taking it into a public arena.

Satish Kumar has written of the script: "It is full of insights, inspiration, imagination and wisdom; you have my full moral support for the success of your endeavour."