The Tingalary Bird

by Mary Melwood

Mystery in two acts. 2 men, 2 women. One interior set. One hour 20 minutes. $ 6.50

The Tingalary Bird is, by now, a classic among "theatre of the avant garde" pieces for young people. It was the first to recognize that youngsters would be quick--often quicker than adults--to accept and grasp an Absurdist plot, and be absorbed by haunting, unanswered questions and images on a stage where nothing is as it seems to be. Imagine, if you will, a bird cage made of string which suddenly ripples with the majestic music of an antique Irish harp as the Old Man strums it. Imagine that music lifting the Old Woman to dizzying heights as she flies giddily through the air. A few minutes later it is only a poor drab bird cage again, and the Old Woman scoffs at the suggestion that she flew. Which is real?

One reason children find The Tingalary Bird so fascinating is that the bickerings and fights of the Old Man and the Old Woman so closely resemble their own. Audiences are held enthralled by the power of the language, and young actors find a tremendous challenge playing the roles of the Old Man, the Old Woman, and the Bird.