A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe

Gr 7–Browne’s gorgeously heartbreaking, heart-reviving “quilt of stories, poems, fables, and woes circling the moment we all survived” the Covid-19 pandemic magically morphs into a stupendous, polyphonic aural performance by an extensive cast (although, alas, no credit list appends the recording). Oversight aside, their exquisite aural symphony reveals interconnected glimpses as New York City’s families, communities, and social systems implode. Hyacinth (haunting Chantelle Ramdeen) and Electra (Emana Rachelle in poignant patois) “are two city girls with island roots,” made family by broken foster care, who intermittently reappear as “chorus” because they “have seen it all.” Isolated teen Malachi (stalwart Brandon Miles) must protect his two younger siblings with his father in prison, their mother who disappears. Tariq (lyrical Kiebpoli Calnek) alone cares for their fading Grandma Marigold (internally luxurious Marie-Françoise Theodore). Orphaned Zamira (spunky Ozzie Jacobs) just wants a calico cat to share her loneliness, while older sister Tam (determined Tyla Collier) constantly risks her life as essential delivery staff. Hyacinth’s “farewell” reminder—“We Must Live”—becomes a cri de cœur to tenacious strength.