<img src="http://www.bravenewworld.demon.co.uk/writing/birdbrain/birdbrain1.gif" alt="" />

Press Release

The Royal Festival Hall presents

<big>AUSTRALIAN DANCE THEATRE

BIRDBRAIN</big>

Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 May 2003 at 7.45pm
Queen Elizabeth Hall, SE1

Driven by dramatic visuals and pulsating rhythms, dancers literally take flight as they propel themselves through space in Birdbrain at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 7 and 8 May 2003. In the AUSTRALIAN DANCE THEATRE’s wry deconstruction of Swan Lake, classical ballet, gymnastics, breakdance and astounding airborne athleticism inform the vigorous choreography of Artistic Director Garry Stewart.

First performed at the 2000 Adelaide Festival, Birdbrain quickly became a 'hot ticket' of the Festival, with its blend of stunning soundscapes, surreal video art and virtuosic dance. Birdbrain proceeded to delight audiences around Australia with its combination of acrobatic choreography and its perceptive references to Swan Lake. Performances in Seoul, Toronto, New York, Ottawa, the Galway Festival and the Singapore Arts Festival have played to full houses and standing ovations.

AUSTRALIAN DANCE THEATRE (ADT) is one of the most influential dance companies in Australia. During its 38-year history the company has seen a wide range of styles and directors, and has led the way in giving dancers new avenues of expression. Under the artistic directorship of Garry Stewart since 2000, the company is once again taking a radically distinctive trajectory. Stewart's work is characterised by fast, aggressive, technically demanding choreography.

ADT's dancers train in a number of distinct physical disciplines, ranging from classical ballet and contemporary dance techniques, through to gymnastics, breakdance and martial arts. The result is a fusion of forms, which constitutes a totally unique Australian choreographic palette.

For further information please contact Tim McKeough at the South Bank Centre press office on 020 7921 0632 or email tmckeough@rfh.org.uk.

Tickets: £11 - £17.50 (Concessions £2 off)
Box Office: 020 7960 4242 Book Online www.rfh.org.uk (no fee)

· SBC manages a 27-acre site from Waterloo Bridge to County Hall, including the Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, the Poetry Library, the Hungerford car park and Jubilee Gardens.
· This project is supported by the Images of Australia Branch, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
· This project is assisted by the Australia Council, the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body.

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Here is the link to our coverage of "Birdbrain" as it has moved areound the world.

<small>[ 24 March 2003, 05:44 AM: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>