Although it’s been a long while since you’ve heard from us, here at Firebird we’ve been thinking of our wider family, friends and supporters in these difficult times, and sending good thoughts out to you all.
It’s been a challenging time for the company, as I’m sure it has for so many of you. However the spirit and spark of Firebird has been keeping the members connected, so we wanted let you know what’s going on for us, and to think about hope for the future.
The Pull of the Tide
Following the sad passing of Firebird founder Jane Sallis in 2018, the members took time to pause and reflect on their wishes for the company, brilliantly supported and facilitated by Andy Harris, who coordinated Firebird with Jane for many years. Throughout 2019 and early 2020 they worked with poet, grief counsellor and longtime collaborator Claire Williamson on a collection of poems about what Jane meant to them. These have been collated into a beautiful publication titled ‘The Pull of the Tide’, with cover illustration from an artist at Firebird’s sister company Artists First.
It was important to Firebird that the collection be accessible to all members, and so they worked with sound recordist Jake Wittlin to create a recording of them performing the poems, which will form an accompanying CD. At present this is a private project for Firebird and close family, and they will think about if and how to share any of it once the book and CD are printed.
Covid, connecting and Firebird’s Story
With the members unable to meet due to Covid, finding another way of staying connected was vital. The intention had been to start exploring Firebird’s vast 25 year archive, working with the Theatre Collection at the University of Bristol to create a physical archive, alongside an online collection, new films and artworks exploring the achievements and impact of Firebird, and its importance in Bristol theatre and disability history.
During lockdown, Andy Harris began to work through the huge collection of boxes, props, scripts, recordings and other ephemera – it looks like nothing was ever thrown away! He phoned the company members, many of whom were isolated, to both stay in touch regularly, and to invite them to think about the Firebird’s story, using discoveries from the archive as touch points. This has provided both community and inspiration during the last few months.
AGM and Trustees
Following a small, private AGM in March 2019, we were planning to hold a larger gathering in March 2020 (postponed from summer 2019.) Like so many events, this was cancelled due to Covid, and as the company have been unable to meet in person, we have not held an AGM this year. The Trustees however have continued to meet virtually to support the Company, and are here if any of our friends want to get in touch – see below for details.
What next?
This is the longest Firebird have ever gone without meeting face-to -face. For many members it is a lifeline for their connectivity and creativity. While welfare is our main concern, it’s clear that meeting safely as soon as possible is a priority.
We are now working with Shirehampton Hall to agree guidelines that we hope will mean the company can come together as soon as possible once lockdown is lifted. We are planning to work with new collaborators, including live artist Tom Marshman whose performances are often informed by archives, starting by bringing them in virtually via video introductions. As with everything, this is all subject to change!
In the meantime we have updated this website with the help of Matthew Austin at MAYK, so please do have a look if you want to be reminded of our previous work and company members.
Our fundraising has been on pause while our outgoings are minimal, but this will change over the coming year, and we remain hugely grateful to all of you who support us in different ways.
Stay safe, and we hope to see you before too long.