Red Herring was awarded a commission from the Green Carpet European Consortium to create the Whistlers in 2020. The project was impact of the Covid Pandemic and the heightened cost of touring precipitated by Brexit which put extreme pressure on our schedule and budget. However, we were extremely proud of the shows that we created, where possible working with community groups. Please visit the Red Herring website for detailed information about the project.

‘…an absolute delight’ Total Theatre

I created the initial concept and devised the audience’s experience, developed in partnership with the creative team. I worked with the team to create the engagement elements of the project, running workshops and talks in schools, community halls and on the street. We hosted these as members of the Whistler Conservation Society, a group of sociologists who promote awareness of a secretive culture of people, based in the remote regions of the Caucasus mountains. The Whistlers – who live in a close symbiotic relationship with birds and communicate by whistling – have begun to move from their traditional homes and from time to time, they are spotted in woodland settings in Western Europe. Responding to sightings, the charity move in, to help promote understanding and protection of these people.

The show takes the form of a short trek, following the charity representatives into the woods, where a group of Whistlers have recently taken residence. They find evidence of an encampment, bird feeders and strange markings on the trees. Eventually the Whistlers are discovered and a strange ritual ensues, asking the audience to recognise the importance of birds and other creatures in our world.

The show and engagement package has been presented in Port Saint Louis (Citron Jaune, France), Beauquesne near Amiens (Cirque Jules Verne, France), Symondsbury (Activate, Dorset) Chassepierre Festival (Belgium), Symonds Yat, (Wye River Valley River Festival, Herefordshire), Pessac and St Medard (Festival International des Arts de Bordeaux Metropole, France)

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Creative Team

Concept Creation and Design: Paschale Straiton

Producer: Kim Tilbrook

Devising Performers and Facilitators: Barnaby Gibbons, Alison Houiellebeq, Paschale Straiton & Kim Tilbrook

Sound Design support: Thor McIntyre-Burnie

Outside Eye: John Nicholson

Costumes and Props: Paschale Straiton