Australian Dance Theatre

Birdbrain was Garry Stewart's first full length work for ADT and a formative insight into the style of dance that he has brought to the company. Drawing on elements of classical ballet, contemporary dance, breakdance, yoga and gymnastics, as well as video art and electronic music, Stewart created a piece that cross examined the grande dame of classical ballet, Swan Lake, inverting the narrative completely.

'Everyone knows something about Swan Lake. It's an icon that pervades our culture from the Opera House to the football club,' Garry said. 'In this 'version' I've focussed more on the interstices of the narrative: the action of the lovers throwing themselves across the space into the lake, and the moment of metamorphosis when the swans bodies buckle and contort back into being women again.'

First performed at the 2000 Adelaide Festival, Birdbrain redefined Australian contemporary dance with its blend of stunning soundscapes, video art and virtuosic dance. Birdbrain has toured Australia and the world with its combination of unique choreography and perceptive references to Swan Lake. A remarkable work, Birdbrain looks past the traditional exposition of Swan Lake and reveals the structure behind the facade.