I performed this in July 2021 at Vital Stages Choreography Platform run by Studio 3 Arts.
I found a video on Youtube of a parrot in a cage singing ‘Chandelier’ by Sia. It seemed ironic and tragic that it was singing I’m gonna fly like a bird through the night when it barely had space to spread its wings.
I wanted to become the bird, and live out a fantasy where it gets to break free from its cage and fly out of its 2D video format, into ‘real life’ onstage.
I faded Sia’s voice over the parrot’s, turned the volume up, burst onstage in my homemade bird costume and spread my arms wide.
I was holding chopsticks attached to the fabric to make them look more wing-like.
I’m gonna swing from the chandelier
From the chandelier
I’m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist
Like it doesn’t exist
I’m gonna fly like a bird through the night
Feel my tears as they dry