By ANEEKA SIMONIS
BERWICK’S rising star, Bryce Nicholls, is set to take centre stage for the returned season of an acclaimed production in the city’s inner south-east.
The 18-year-old performer will again take on the mysterious theatrical narrative, The Conference of the Birds, as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran from Wednesday 1 October.
Adapted from a 4500-word poem by Persian artist, Farid ud-Din Attar, the production is centred around the journey undertaken by birds of the world to seek their King, the mythical Simorgh – a beautiful and benevolent bird of Persian myth.
As they journey across vast stretches of deserts and valleys in their quest, the birds begin to explore deep spiritual questions about themselves and life as they are tempted by a range of weaknesses and fragilities along the way.
In the play, Bryce plays the Heron who acts as a guiding, father figure to the other birds.
“Expect quite a lot of philosophy, some laughs and shocking twists,” said Bryce of the four-day production.
“It’s basically aimed at opening the audience’s mind to ponder the meaning of life.”
Bryce began his acting career at the start of his high school years at Berwick Secondary.
“I picked it up when I was in Year 8 and fell in love with it,” he said.
“What drew me to it was the ability to tell the story of a character through a physical performance.”
During his VCE years, Bryce moved to Beaconhills College Berwick where his love for performance hit a new level.
“I was the performing arts captain so I led the house to compete with other houses in theatre. It helped me feel what it would be like to be a stage director,” he said.
As well as being part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, The Conference of the Birds is also being held in conjunction with the Victorian Youth Theatre’s 30th anniversary celebration.
“It has been a wonderful journey these past 30 years to see how the Victorian Youth Theatre has grown,” said Director Robert Coates.
“We thought it was a fitting celebration to remount this production which is in itself a voyage of discovery and enlightenment.
“It has been an honour to work with such talented young actors and to bring quality entertainment for and by young people to the Fringe Festival.”
The production will be held from Wednesday 1 October to Saturday 4 October. For times and booking information, visit www.melbournefringe.com.au.
