Lines of Inquiry: Our Revision of the Story

In our original post, we asked a series of questions related to the book. Now we are asking these questions as they relate to our 2009 revision of the opera.

What do you think about the story?:

1) What are some real-life examples (historically and internationally) of how being virtuous like Iris has paid off in real life?

2) Some say the wedding is not the end of the story but the beginning. Do you agree? Why or why not?

3) In what ways is the Prince a role model for smart young men?

4) In what ways does this story have all the “parts” of a fairy tale? What’s missing? What’s totally different from a typical fairy tale, in your opinion?

5) In what ways does Iris’s relationship with the birds help the world around him (his community)?

6) Can you find other examples — in other stories, or in real life?

7) Can you think of any other fairy tales have the same relationships between family members? (Ask friends and family)

8) Can you think of any other stories can you find where birds play a large role?
(Ask friends and family)

Creative Response to the Opera

Here are some ideas for students to explore creatively after viewing the opera.

1. Create a costume design for your ideal version of the Language of Birds

2. Create a set design for your ideal version of the Language of Birds

3. Write and perform a cover version of one of the arias or choruses

4. Create a mock news report about the story

5. Try a skit or improv about the story

Character Names in the Language of Birds Opera

For the Santa Fe performances, the opera has been modified. Now, instead of a king and his two SONS, it's the story of two DAUGHTERS who seek fortune, fame, and understanding.

What else has changed from the original score and libretto? The character names have been updated to reflect an internationalist, environmentalist flair.

Look up the meaning of these names, and think about why the composer might have chosen them. Have fun!
We'll send out the "answers" in a few weeks...

IRIS, youngest daughter, who acquires the language of birds
MIRABAI, eldest daughter, the narcissicist
PETREL, a merchant, father of Iris and Mirabai
QUEEN CINNABAR, ruler of the kingdom, a single mom
PRINCE HASSAN, a young man, Cinnabar’s son and only child

Secondary Roles
ALEXIS, a royal page
SASHA, a baby bird (this name remains from the original opera)
ANYA, mother of Sasha
PALOMA, a bird
LAZAR, Captain of a ship
GULLINA, a seagull (this name remains from the original opera)
KING CUERVO, King of the Crows
QUEEN WRONA, Queen of the Crows
MOONBIRD, small young bird
PRINCESS KARGA, child of the Crows

Do birds actually HAVE a language?

This was sent to us by one of our pedagogical experts, a teacher in the Santa Fe elementary school system....

My parrot and I (Cognition and the Common Bird)

She also sent us these articles about talking birds!!

"As far as talking birds go, there are a few key species that are noted for exceptional speaking abilities. Include the following types of birds in your research if you want the best chance at getting a little feathered chatterbox:

African Greys: These are perhaps the most celebrated of talking parrots, known for their extensive vocabularies and cognitive skills.

Quaker Parrots: These lively medium sized parrots can be impressive little talkers, and tend to learn environmental sounds as well as words and short phrases.

Indian Ringneck Parakeets: Ringnecks are a wonderful choice for people who want a talking bird. Their beautiful colors and medium size make them attractive pets, aside from their crystal clear speaking abilities.

Choose Your Words Wisely (Teach your bird to talk)