‘The Aviary’ tells the story of Merle; a young woman living in the shadow of her mother Veery, the once-famous star of The Aviary’s burlesque show. Oriole, the proprietress of The Aviary and caregiver to Merle, forced a life of dancing upon Merle at an early age in an attempt to regain the success and fame that was lost upon Veery’s death. Through strict training and diligence Merle became a great dancer, but not without a cost. With her entire life focused on dancing, she realizes she never had a chance to learn about life outside the Aviary, and more importantly, herself.