The boy with wings

Presented by Birdlife Productions

As autumn closes in, the Kuaka (Bar-tailed Godwits) take flight to begin their long migration from New Zealand to Alaska, striving to live out their life cycle to its fullest. The success of this mission relies on gritty determination and their trust in some kind of ‘inner map’ that guides them to their ‘treasure’ – the northern breeding grounds that assure them of continued life.

This process is nothing short of a miracle and watching them take to the sky is young Jack who needs to go on a journey of his own because, due to lack of rain, his ancient apple orchard is dying. He has a dream that tells him to look for a “boy with wings and the treasure that will save his trees” and not knowing which way to go he decides to follow the migrating birds.

Jack’s adventure unfolds in a dramatic (and often humorous) way as he edges closer to finding his treasure!

About the artists

Bridget Sanders

Bridget works full time for Birdlife Productions Theatre company as Producer and Creative Director as well as performing and touring their children’s puppet shows around New Zealand and Europe.

Bridget established a career as a Visual Artist for over 20 years while being a Librarian in Nelson. After becoming involved in the 'Body In Space’ Theatre Company in 2012 as a ‘maker’ and set designer, she grew a thirst for knowledge about performing and creating theatre.

Her passion lies in taking high quality work out to New Zealand children to enrich their lives and inspire the Creatives of the future.

Recent professional development includes 3 months training with John Bolton at The John Bolton Theatre School in Melbourne in 2019, an online ‘Bringing Puppets to life’ course with Sandglass Theatre (USA), an online ‘Puppetry for Film’ course through Little Angel Theatre (UK) and online ‘Suitcase Puppet Theatre’ with Judith Hope Puppet maker (UK).

Roger Sanders

Roger is a Storyteller, Actor, Musician, Puppeteer and Improviser with over 30 years experience as a performer and creator of theatre.

Founding member of the UK Storytelling and Music Troupe ‘The Firebird’s Feather’, ‘Body In Space’ Theatre Company and ‘Birdlife Productions’ Theatre Company, New Zealand. Roger has collaborated with Japanese Master Puppeteer, Akiko Myamoto, and trained extensively in Physical Theatre and Improvisation.

Performance highlights include the solo show ‘The End of the golden Weather’ 2009, Philias Fogg ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, 2013, Oberon and Theseus ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’, 2017 and solo show ‘The Magnificent Man in the Moon’ Nelson Fringe Fest, 2017. Recent professional development includes 3 months training with John Bolton at The John Bolton Theatre School in Melbourne in 2019, an online ‘Bringing Puppets to life’ course with Sandglass Theatre (USA) 2021.

Artist's website

Gallery

Reviews

"Thank you, Birdlife Productions, for the wonderful tour of ‘The Boy with Wings’ throughout our beautiful country; performing 26 shows to sold out audiences bringing delight to so many children and their whanau"

- Arts on Tour NZ Trust 2023

"Such a beautiful story, beautiful music and singing. It was so moving for me that I nearly cried.!! I found this a really warming performance and great story-telling in all art forms. Fantastic hand-made props. I really felt like I was on a journey with Bridget and Roger and of course The Boy with Wings.”

- Marina Phillips, Balcairn Hall April, 2023