The delightfully clumsy Professor Beatrice Bartholomew (Bridget Sanders) is here to talk to us about the kuaka/bar-tailed godwit. Technically challenged, her enthusiasm and passion for these marvellous birds who travel from NZ to Alaska for breeding and back is infectious.

One kuaka particularly special to the Professor is EB53, who she has been tracking on her yearly migration of up to 30,000 miles. Part of Māori mythology, the kuaka were seen as mysterious birds who were a signal of the arrival of spring. [More] 

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Birdlife Productions loves a good story and with The Boy With Wings they’re here to share that love with Wellington. Bridget and Roger Sanders created this gem of a puppet show, about finding one’s wings, during lockdown.  

I can imagine that it must have been cathartic of sorts, to focus on creating a touching story about hope and the unimaginable struggle the Kuaka (or Bar-tailed Godwits) take on their long migration from New Zealand to Alaska while being stuck in the confines of their home. And if you’re like me, and you don’t know much about Kuaka, you’re in for a treat.

These birds know a thing or two about living life to its fullest, taking huge risks during a 30,000km round trip following nothing but an inner map that compels them forward. So it’s natural that just a few minutes in I find myself silently posing the questions: How do I find my own wings? And what is my own inner map telling me?

As much as this story is about birds, it’s also about following our dreams – something many of us are told not to do when we’re young (and older, for that matter).

The protagonist is Jack, a young man who has a dream about finding a treasure. If you’re familiar with Brazilian writer Paulo Coehlo’s The Alchemist, you’ll pick up on his influence here. Jack sets out on a quest to find a treasure, but not the kind of treasure you’re thinking of. He needs something to help fix his homeland, as the trees he loves so much are dying – which also might be why the birds are leaving.

The story is a classic hero’s journey but the set is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. The Sanders duo know how to construct beautiful worlds in your everyday cardboard box. I’m still awestruck by the shiny blue fabric that makes up the roiling seas as Jack progresses on his adventure.

It’s easy to get carried away with the stunning craftwork and puppetry, and Roger’s gentle singing and strumming on the guitar, but I’m pulled abruptly back into reality when a child a few rows behind me yells: “What’s the point of this movie?! It’s so dumb!”. No one says anything and the performers continue on without missing a beat. But you can feel the energy shift in the small BATS theatre, a collective wishing that the child’s parent will step up and hush their rude child. It’s sad that a child can’t see the beauty in the slow art of puppetry, and would rather be entertained by some CGI tricks on a screen. But I digress.

While I wouldn’t say The Boy with Wings is for everyone from age 5-95, it’s a sweet tale for younger, well-behaved children ages 5-10 who still believe in a bit of magic. And there’s plenty for adults to ponder, too. 

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