Theatrical Tribute to Brontë Sisters

“I AM No Bird” is a theatrical tribute to the authors of some of the most sought-after titles on the shelves of Tameside’s libraries.

It uses the spoken word and electronic music to explore the story of the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily and Anne – but through a contemporary, female lens. There are soaring vocal harmonies and an unexpected twist.

Thanks to a partnership with award-winning Stute Theatre, Tameside Council has arranged for two performances of “I am No Bird” to take place at Droylsden Library on Monday, May 9. As would be expected of such popular novelists, both are close to being sold out.

Stute Theatre, which is based in Ashton, is run by Sophia Hatfield who developed the touring show in partnership with the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the Brontë Society and the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. It is funded by an Arts Council grant.

Tameside’s Brontë celebration has also involved performing arts students from Longdendale High School and Ashton Sixth Form College taking part in an Emily Brontë-themed dance and movement workshop led by Olivia Peers from Mossley’s Born & Bred Dance Theatre. 

Community librarian Stephanie Hogan said: “It’s 200 years since the Brontë sisters’ books were published but they remain as popular as ever. Readers still love “Jane Eyre”, “Wuthering Heights”, “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” and their stories of life on the rugged Yorkshire moors.

“However, these works were much more than mere romantic tales. They were pioneering pieces of literature written by three remarkable Yorkshire women. ‘Wildfell Hall’ is considered one of the first feminist novels.

“As Stute Theatre put it, ‘I am No Bird’ is a modern adaptation that shines a new light on the sisters’ artistry and resilience. It’s much more than a period piece, it’s the Brontës reimagined, retold and reclaimed.”

For more information visit www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries or www.stutetheatre.co.uk