A Bosch-like harrowing story of the wandering boy abandoned by his parents during World War II, The Painted Bird is a dark masterpiece that examines the proximity of terror and savagery to innocence and love. Its central scene—a man captures a bird and paints it brilliant colors then frees it to return to its flock, only to be violently killed by its own kind as a perceived interloper —anchors this poetic outcry on otherness, belonging and human nature. Loosely based on this controversial 1965 novel by Jerzy Kosinski, BASTARD (The Painted Bird: Part 1)—the stage work of mythic proportion—is even more relevant today than it was upon its original run. Its mysterious, multi-layered surreal images charged with emotional power strike and linger. The award winning Slovak-American choreographer and director Pavel Zuštiak revisits BASTARD (The Painted Bird: Part 1) in this 2017 version together with composer and musician Christian Frederickson joined on stage by Slovak dancer Jaro Vinarsky, 2013 Bessie Award Winner in Outstanding Performer category for this role.