120 BIRDS

It’s a shame Border Security didn’t exist the day in 1929 that famed prima ballerina Anna Pavlova departed Australian shores. Her baggage – allegedly stuffed to the throat with 120 of our feathered friends – would have made for a lively episode.

Choreographer Liz Lea has drawn on extensive research of the Russian ‘Dying Swan’s Antipodean tour for the upcoming 120 Birds, a production weaving together tango, the waltz and Charleston alongside archival footage from the National Film and Sound Archive.

With costumes designed by local icon Florence Broadhurst, 120 Birds emerges as a rollicking journey through the fictional escapades of a touring ballet troupe, but a glowing homage to two great dames of history. (AB)

May 23-25, Riverside Theatres, cnr Church & Market Sts, Parramatta, $25-28, 8839 3399, riversideparramatta.com.au