Choreographer Liz Lea’s latest creation is about Anna Pavlova and the rise and fall of her touring company.
Pavlova’s first visit to Australia was in 1926 when she visited Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. She returned again in 1929 with a larger company and expanded repertoire. Lea has called her work 120 Birds in reference to the number of feathered creatures Pavlova is said to have taken away after her last tour to Australia.
Featuring dancers Natalie Ayton, Melanie Faydherbede, Maudave, Miranda Wheen and Lee herself, 120 Birds aims to recreate the glamour and toughness of a fictional ballet company on the road, and mixes live performance with vintage film footage. The costume design is inspired by the Australian designer, Florence Broadhurst.
120 Birds premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in 2010.
It's next stop is at the Street Theatre, Canberra, from June 19-20.