Birdmen flies into the Dallas Arts District

A live-performance art piece with a lot of people

The Changing Perspectives Block Party featured Birdmen: From Close-Act Theatre Company (the Netherlands). Photo: Jessica Waffles

The Dallas Arts District hosted the Changing Perspective Block Party at Sammons Park over the weekend, featuring Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, Monica Saldivar and Band, Avant Chamber Ballet, Kupira Marimba Esemble, Dezi 5 and the performance art piece from the Netherlands – Birdmen by Close-Act Theatre.

“Birdmen” is an immersive outdoor theatre production by Close-Act Theatre Company that premiered in 2018. The show tells the story of a group of bird-like creatures who arrive on Earth and interact with attendees in a playful and sometimes surreal way.

A large bid-skeleton type art piece above a crowd

The magnificent performance art pieces towered over the crowd at Sammons Park. Photo: Jessica Waffles

A full band on stage

Monica Saldivar and Band performed during the Changing Perspectives Block Party in the Dallas Arts District. Photo: Jessica Waffles

A live-performance art piece with a lot of people

Close-Act Theatre Company was founded in 1991 as a collaboration between designers, actors, dancers, choreographers and musicians. Photo: Jessica Waffles

The design of the bird-like creature costumes are uncanny in its simulation of bird behaviors.

The performance is designed to be experienced by the audience as a journey through different landscapes and scenarios, with the actors and performers moving through and around the audience throughout the show.

Their artistic aesthetic is a trademark of Close-Act Theatre. Photo: Jessica Waffles

An art wall with many people painting on it at the same time

The community mural wall led by Fred Villanueva. Photo: Jessica Waffles

A band on stage from behind

The view from the stage at the Changing Perspectives Block Party. Photo: Jessica Waffles

Close-Act Theatre Company’s performances often involve stilt walkers, aerialists, and other performers in elaborate costumes and makeup, and feature specially designed props and set pieces.

The company’s productions are inspired by a range of cultural and artistic traditions from around the world, and often incorporate elements of mythology, fantasy, and science fiction.

A kid running in front of a large bird-like costumed person

Kids interacted excitedly with the art performance, running around with the big bird-like creatures. Photo: Jessica Waffles

A live-performance art piece with a lot of people

Close-Act is renowned for interactive street theater. Photo: Jessica Waffles

A singer dancing

Monica Saldivar performing at Changing Perspectives Block Party at Sammons Park. Photo: Jessica Waffles

“Birdmen” is known for its stunning visuals and high-energy performances, as well as its ability to transport audiences into a magical and otherworldly realm.

The show has been performed at a number of festivals and events around the world, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland and the Festival of Fools in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Upcoming appearances of Close-Act Theatre’s Birdmen include April 22 in Arkansas, April 27 through April 30 in San Diego.

People playing marimbas

Kupira Marimba Ensemble got people dancing in the square at Changing Perspectives Block Party. Photo: Jessica Waffles

A glowing bird-like art costume

At night, the crowd got to see a new glowing feature of the Birdmen performance. Photo: Jessica Waffles

People dancing on an outdoor dance floor

Kupira Marimba Ensemble got people on the dance floor by encouraging the “dance instigators” in the crowd.Photo: Jessica Waffles

People playing marimbas in front of a crowd

The view from the stage with Kupira Marimba Ensemble. Photo: Jessica Waffles

The “birds” would walk in a circle around a group of people, then they would “feed” on the people in the center – bobbing their heads down in unison and pecking people’s heads. Photo: Jessica Waffles

Someone touching the beak of a birdman costume

The fascination with the art pieces was palpable among the crowd, as people interacted in awe. Photo: Jessica Waffles

People playing marimbas

Kupira Marimba Ensemble on stage. Photo: Jessica Waffles

Someone touching the beak of a birdman costume

“Let us move, draw and carry you into the world we create.” – Close-Act Theatre Company. Photo: Jessica Waffles


Jessica Waffles is a freelance photographer/videographer and regular contributor to KXT. 

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