When Zariah disappeared 25 feet away from the family gas station, her mother Miranda swore she’d never stop looking until she found who took her. 18 hunting seasons later, Miranda finally knows.
The War of Miranda Bird is an epic tragedy set deep in the Appalachians, richly coloured with the dark humor and haunting music of the traditions buried deep in the bones- revenge, honour, family and pride. An ensemble piece conceived for 4 men and 4 women, and intended for a bare stage, Miranda Bird’s tale of relentless vengeance reflects the implacable drive and ethic of the people as hard as stone that inhabit the mountains. Told in non-linear fashion, the play consists of moments that surface like air bubbles touching the surface of ancient dark lake waters lit by the moon. By the end, all the puzzle pieces are on the table and the audience instantly completes the picture of the story.
The choice to set the play in the Appalachians is connected to the above mentioned themes of violence and revenge, and also provides audiences in Canada the opportunity to engage in a parallel storytelling absorption of their own human trafficking/ missing women tragedy as related to the Highway of Tears.
This play requires a musical element that is evocative of the traditions of the Appalachians- human voice, guitar, fiddle and banjo particularly. Additionally, there is great potential for ensemble visual presentation and story development through movement in the style of Frantic Assembly/ Steven Hoggett.
Finally, the story is centred on how violence comes easier to men -yet there is nothing stronger than a mother fighting for her child, and revenge is gender neutral.
The War of Miranda Bird, written by Robinson Wilson, will be workshopped, with Ross Desprez directing, in November 2020. Other Guys Theatre is grateful to Bruce Halliday, General Manager at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo, BC for generously allowing us to use the Port stage to socially distance for this workshop.