Panasonic LCD projectors helped revive the ancient Persian epic "The Conference of the Birds."

Client: Forman Brothers Theater

Location: Czech Republic

Product(s) supplied: PT-MZ20KL PT-MZ17KL

Challenge

From the beginning of preparing the performance, a large image was considered essential. It was crucial to synchronize the performances of the twelve representatives of different bird species with striking visual effects, where the scene transitions into 3D projections.

Solution

Four powerful MZ series LCD projectors with a total brightness of 70,000 lumens were selected. The PT-MZ20KEJ projector is positioned at the top of the tent and is stronger because it projects onto a larger area on the floor. The other three PT-MZ17KEJ projectors target the rear projection surface made of special rubber strips measuring 7 meters in height and 16 meters in length. The projections from these three projectors are combined into one panoramic image.

The theatrical adaptation of the ancient epic was crafted by the Forman Brothers Theatre from the Czech Republic.

Persian mystic Farid al-Din Attar describes in this allegorical tale the arduous journey of twelve different species of birds to the mysterious Mount Qaf, where they seek their true king to restore peace and harmony in the world. The multifaceted portrayal of the bird community incidentally mirrors the human world. Each bird represents a human flaw that prevents mankind from achieving enlightenment.

The projections significantly contributed to creating the right atmosphere, conveying their journey, and immersing the audience in the narrative.

Visual effects never before seen with the Formans

"Panasonic is not working with the Forman Brothers Theatre for the first time. However, this time it is a very specific project that required the use of several high-performance projectors. After the Prague performances, the projectors will undergo servicing and cleaning. Another major challenge will be moving all the equipment to France and touring the country as part of the year-round tour this year."

Special projection screen made of rubber strips and a custom-made tent

The original, specially made mobile tent characterized by black and white stripes measures 32.5 x 20 meters and is supported by a reinforced floor weighing 53 tons. The interior with a terrace for 334 spectators was designed without any supporting columns. This creates a perfect connection between the stage and the auditorium, as well as space for richly staged scenes and large decorations.

The projections also depict flights of the bird heroes above the jungle and mountains, as well as the actors themselves, soaring toward their fate. All this takes place in the limited indoor space of the tent, which appears from the outside like an overturned hot air balloon.

The tent is so large that it must be transported in three trucks, with an additional two for the richly prepared props.

Projection was the key element

"Alongside traditional theatrical means such as costumes, puppets, masks, and striking scenery, we utilize a system of high-performance projectors to bring animations to life on large-scale projections. The image reaches extraordinary intensity, allowing each spectator to ‘fly’ with the avian heroes through the vast space of the tent and become part of their story. For those familiar with our Deadtown, I can say that The Conference of birds has technically and visually far surpassed it"

From the Czech Republic to France and Italy

This exceptional performance has already been visited by more than 8,000 spectators in Prague. The premiere took place on September 25, 2024, at the Erpet Center in Prague's Smíchov, right next to the Forman Brothers Arena. The conclusion was originally planned for the end of October 2024, but due to high public interest, additional dates were added until mid-November. In 2025, the theatre will tour France and Italy.

Why was France chosen as the first foreign destination?

"In France, the Conference of birds was popularized by the dramatization of Peter Brook and Jean Claude Carrière, and everyone who is even slightly interested in theater knows it," explains director Petr Forman.

"In the Czech Republic, audiences are more familiar with the beautiful illustrated book by Petr Sís, which extracts the original story, presented almost like a fairy tale. In reality, it is more of a philosophical work," adds Forman.

The unique tent of the Forman Brothers Theatre with the performance "The Conference of birds" will return to Prague only in 2026 when it will become part of the traditional theater festival.

International acting team

The composition of the acting team is the most international of all the plays produced by the Forman Brothers Theatre so far. Alongside Czechs and Slovaks, the performers in the Bird Assembly also include actors from Hungary, France, Italy, and the United States. Interestingly, while the narrator and the main hero in the form of the hoopoe speaks Czech (in France, French), all other actors speak their own languages. However, the audience understands the context of what they want to convey.

Credits:

Director: Petr Forman

Screenplay: Ivan Arsenjev, Petr Forman, Jean Claude Carriére

Designer: Josef Lepša

Music: Simone Thierrée (France)

Projection concept: Panasonic Connect Europe: Ben Mitchell and Zdeněk Krýsl, 3D Sence: Adam Špinka