Following an extraordinary run of awards in 2010, Restless Dance Theatre returns with a stunning new contribution to contemporary dance.

Director: Philip Channells

Set Designer: Gaelle Mellis

Original score writer and producer: Hilary Klienig from Zephyr Quartet

Cast: Restless Youth Ensemble and family members

Fresh from a critically acclaimed season of Beauty at the Adelaide Festival Centre, Restless Dance Theatre return with a stunning new contribution to contemporary dance, Next of Kin.

Next of Kin marks the directorial debut for the company's new Artistic Director, Philip Channells and features an intergenerational cast - from six to 60-year-olds - composed of the Restless Youth Ensemble and their family members. Set at a picnic, the dance performance piece explores the family unit and its complex effect on kin relationships, personal decisions and individual responsibilities.

Mr Channells said investigating the modern family and deconstructing the notion of a "normal family" is one of the most fascinating and challenging tasks he has set for himself as an artist.

"Restless' stage projects are renowned for revealing a unique and distinctive interpretation of life and this piece will be developed collaboratively through dance, music and theatre using our youth ensemble dancer's personal stories of family life," he said.

"It's a really enlightening experience for everyone and with the inclusion of a supporting cast consisting of some of our dancer's brothers, sisters, cousins, mums, dads and even grandparents, it's created another level of intimacy to the work, which by Restless' standards is an achievement in itself."

The set - designed by award winning designer Gaelle Mellis - will again live up to to the company's imposing reputation by delivering a feast for the senses. Audiences can expect a stunning original score written and performed live by Zephr Quartet's Hilary Klienig.

Restless Dance Theatre is Australia's leading dance company working with young people with and without disabilities to create world class dance theatre and run workshop programs for everyone. In 2010 the company received awards at the Australian dance awards, the Rubys, the Reeldance Australian and New Zealand awards and the Brooklyn international film festival.

The company's youth ensemble and touring company has developed an incredibly talented pool of dancers that have collaborated with some of Australia's finest directors and choreographers.