Connect with us Post navigation 'The Conference of the Birds' at Folger Theatre by Amanda Gunther "The way is open but there is neither traveler nor guide." That is the closing statement and tagline of Folger Theatre's production of T he Conference of the Birds . Based on the poem by Farid Uddi Attar the stage version is written by Jean-Claude Carrire and Peter Brook. Directed by Aaron Posner this production is a flurry of interpretive dance and movement mingled with the brilliant audio creations of Helen Hayes Award-winning Composer Tom Teasley. The Conference of the Birds allows you to ponder the greater meanings of life along its spiritual and metaphysical journeys and paths. Jens Rasmussen and Tiffany Rachelle Stewart enacting one of the Hoopoe's stories in 'The Conference of the Birds.' Photo by Scott Suchman. Scenic Designer Meghan Raham creates a simplistic approach to lining the stage of the Folger for the production. With long stripes of bark-like brownness hanging from the ceiling the stage is reminiscent of a forest or some other wooded gathering where the birds of the world might congregate. Interspersed with columns and backdrops of mirrored surfaces, the set is completed in its mythic proportions with the notions of Lighting Designer Jennifer Schriever. Over two dozen bulbs of various size and shape are hung at various lengths from the ceiling down over the stage and out over the audience, hints and shadows of fireflies or other natural light sources found in the Avian kingdom. Costume