Synopsis:…I would rather have birds... is a duet inspired by the relationship between Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh.  While the significance of his accomplishments and the controversy over who Charles Lindbergh was in terms of his political beliefs are engaging, this duet focuses solely on the relationship between two human beings, inspired by the unique marriage between Charles and Anne.

Conflicting feelings of isolation, loss due to the kidnapping and death of their son, intimacy, trust, genuine happiness, and struggle permeated their marriage.  Anne often found herself isolated while Charles flew alone, yet there were times when she felt she was on top of the world, both literally and figuratively, in his presence.  What they shared during their historic flights alone together was unique, and perhaps the only time they were ever a true partnership.  Inspired by this relationship, the performers in …I would rather have birds… experience moments of soaring across the stage, connecting and disconnecting, intertwining and interweaving, struggle, and support as they navigate their individual identities as well as their collective identity.

The title for this piece is inspired by one of Charles Lindbergh’s well-known quotations, in which he stated, “I realized that if I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes.  In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia.  Real freedom lives in wilderness, not in civilization.”  An odd sentiment from a hero of aviation…perhaps he felt unsatisfied with his successes, or regret for all he may have missed out on.  Flying is what brought Charles and Anne together in the first place, but it is also the thing that created deep separation and distance between the two.