The echo of the courtyard of the Aga Khan Museum allows the call to prayer which signals the beginning of The Caged Bird Sings to reverberate up into the heavens. It draws our eyes upward towards a clear blue sky; though as in the cave, the sun can no longer be seen as the story commences. The mosque shaped cage in the middle of the space is soon inhabited by a blindfolded man, and then two young women. Based on “Masnavi” by Rumi, The Caged Bird Sings takes us on a journey through the self towards the enlightenment of the sun.

Routan Silogix, Rafeh Mahmud, and Ahmad Lakhani have artfully combined the stories of Rumi with references to texts both ancient and modern to create a series of vignettes representing the journeys of the characters. From Steinbeck to Shakespeare, Beckett to the Beatles, The Caged Bird Sings is a mosaic of art spanning nations, cultures, and generations. The title of the play immediately evokes Maya Angelou’s memoir “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”, and the writers play in this in the first section of the final portion of the play, even going so far as to include direct quotes from Angelou in the section. The writing style of this play gives a further poignance to a centuries old text while allowing the characters to complete the quest of the original.

The framework of the text is Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” wherein our captive characters have only their own minds to occupy them. Sal is a former king (amongst other odd jobs) who has found himself trapped in the cave for over a thousand years. When he is suddenly joined by two women: Rumi and Jin. They are scientists who have recently been caught while gathering supplies for their love potion. The three dive into their pasts, through times of fortune and frenzy, to search for the answers to their escape. It’s not until they reach the final portion, entitled Fanaa, where their true souls are reveals and answers are found.

Rouvan Silogix, Navtej Sandhu, and Mikaela Lily Davies breathe the life into this heartrending tale. Silogix is mesmerizing and amusing, his Sal is at times unhinged, at others fierce in his desires. Sandhu gives a nuanced performance as Jin; her beautiful voice is matched by the passion with which she performs. Davies’ Rumi both embodies and defies our ideas of the author; they are the record keeper of the story, often referring back to their diary for anecdotes. However, there is a calculating side which we glimpse throughout the play. This compelling cast guides us through each lesson and parable until they see the sun once more.

The entirety of the play occurs within the four walls of the cage. Designed by Waleed Ansari, this awe-inspiring structure acts as both prison and the source of liberation for its inhabitants. As the natural light dissipates, Ansari’s lighting design is able to dazzle as the cage itself glows to life. Niloufar Ziaee’s costume design features airy, cotton clothing, a perfect match for the desert landscape suggested by the set and story. Encased with the tiled floor and ornately decorated glass of the Aga Khan’s courtyard, the audience is immersed in the full sensual experience of the production.

The Caged Bird Sings brings ancient philosophies to the modern era with its captivating story and brilliant performances. An enchanting beginning to a season of outdoor theatre, The Caged Bird Sings is a feast for the senses as well as the mind. Running until June 26th at the Aga Khan Museum. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.moderntimesstage.com/the-caged-bird-sings

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Cover photo: Mikaela Lily Davies, Navtej Sandhu. Photo by Zeeshan Safdar

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