image by Tom Hatton
Zugunruhe (zoo-gun-rue): an ornithology term for ‘migratory restlessness in birds’. One human explores the incredible flight of a marsh warbler, the world’s only bird whose song echoes its migration route. Body-compasses, magnetic fields, African sunsets, star-chasing, storm-riding, homing… The show takes audiences on a fascinating journey into non-human migration in the 21st century – and how this might in turn offer reflections on human movement.
Rehearsing among birds in the wetlands of Somerset, performer Tom Bailey creates a wild feast of bird behaviour alongside a digital sound map of the marsh warbler’s journey, made by composer Rowan Evans.
Winner of a Herald Angel Award, Edinburgh Fringe 2018
‘Extraordinary… moving and enlightening’ – New Scientist
‘Unusual, utterly compelling solo show’ ★★★★ – The Herald
‘Global and international… a unique and mesmerising production’ ★★★★ – Fest
Mechanimal is an award-winning performance company based in Bristol, led by Tom Bailey. It tours work both in the UK and internationally.
Zugunruhe was developed in residence at UCL’s Migration Research Unit. Supported by The Leverhulme Trust, Arts Council England, Pound Arts & The Red Brick Building.
The show’s digital reimagining was kindly supported by Pound Arts and Arts Council England.