Inspired by Movema artists’ experiences of migration & informed by refugee and asylum seeker communities with whom we work, ‘Taking Flight’ explores birds’ and humans’ desire for freedom & flight & the role of modern aeronautics to enable this.
An exciting, thought-provoking & spectacular outdoor performance work using the concept of 4 symbolic birds to represent futuristic cyborgs, whose bodies are part aircraft, part bird, part human.
Feng Huang
Based on the mythical phoenix from Chinese culture and stealth bomber aircraft.
Liver Bird
Based on the mythical Liverbird which looks out over Liverpool and across the seas to Ireland and beyond, and fighter jet airplanes.
Peacock
Inspired by the Peacock, the national symbol of India and early aviation and propeller-based aircraft.
Sankofa Bird
Based on the Sankofa Bird of traditional Ghanaian Adrinka symbols and vintage passenger aircraft.
The Taking Flight shows and Walk-about characters entertain audiences in parks, festivals, community venues and city centres around the county. Visit our Events Calendar to see the next Taking Flight performance near you.
Design
Costumes have been created by Liverpool Lantern Company inspired by these birds and by humans’ desire for freedom & flight & the role of modern aeronautics to enable this.
In 2026 we redeveloped the show to make it ready for touring and reaching wider audiences. This included adding ‘the nest’ an interactive stage and sound installation, with creative stories written by children in local schools.
Dance Workshops
As well as performances, we offer dance and creative writing workshops in schools, libraries, faith spaces. Please contact us if you would like to book a Taking Flight workshop or series in your community.
A journey, adventure or search; connecting people and places, with the power to change everything.
Commissioned by Dance Consortia Northwest, SpareParts and Now Northwich festivals, with support from Arts Council England, Culture Liverpool and Afica Oyé Festival.
Made possible thanks to funding and support from:
