SWAN? first held over at the Edmonton Fringe in 2024 — and it’s been to the Adeliade Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and packing houses ever since. Now, to celebrate 100 performances, she’s coming home for one special night at the festival that made her a hit. “Having the 100th show being connected to the Edmonton Fringe is a truly special moment and celebration and I couldnt imagine doing it anywhere else.” Says creator and performer Brady.

“SWAN?” is the dark and ugly sister to the movie Black Swan. A chain-smoking, half-swan, half-ballerina turns the tragic story of Swan Lake into a dark and raunchy rom-com. And who knows…You may even get to open her box. Could you be the hero that helps her escape this living hell?!

A raunchy parody of Swan Lake, “SWAN?” a darkly funny and perfectly en pointe takedown of the patriarchy and perceived self-worth, this genre-defying one-person show has a fusion of ballet, clown, bouffon and song, which challenges audiences to consider just how much you’d change yourself for a romantic partner.

“My goal is to present Odette in a highly comedic manner that allows the audience to laugh, reflect, and walk away knowing they don’t need to be loved by a romantic partner to feel “complete,” said Brady. “SWAN?” is created and performed by Lauren Brady, an award-winning multidisciplinary Canadian artist, working across dance, clown and physical theatre. She is the founder of HEYwire Theatre & Co-Founder of Bad Knees Studios, companies that tackle tough subjects with warmth, light and humour.