Labyrinth.
“Numerous creative and performance elements combine to make this fabulous revised production of Labyrinth a highlight of the 2025 Midsumma Festival.”
- Heather Leviston, Classic Melbourne
Stone. Sweat. Fear. From deep within – a low, strange moan.
This is a place of terror. Of sacrifice. Of reckoning.
This is the Labyrinth.
In the haunting corridors beneath Abbotsford Convent, Forest Collective presents a reimagining of their highly successful dance-opera-piano concerto.
Through this immersive theatrical experience, you will descend into the labyrinth of Greek myth, witnessing first-hand the ordeal of Theseus, Ariadne and her half-brother, the Minotaur.
Evan J Lawson’s music and Daniel Szesiong Todd’s libretto confront themes of shame, isolation and redemption, while maverick Melbourne pianist Danaë Killian gives powerful voice to the work’s dramatically-embedded piano concerto. Ashley Dougan’s visceral, yet lyrical choreography and the vision of director Cathy Hunt bring a desperate humanity to this epic tale.
About.
Multi-room, immersive dance-opera-piano concerto
World premiere February 2024, Melbourne-Naarm
Performers 3 singers, 2 dancers, 3 musicians
Duration 60 minutes
Reviews.
“The audience is lured into the performance area and encouraged to abandon themselves physically and psychologically. The dream-like intensity of the music and the electronic soundscape facilitate this process.” - Patricia Di Risio, Stage Whisper
“...a complex and satisfying exploration of the nature and origins of shame, as well as the complexity of the human condition, especially when trapped in a maze with no means of escape.” - Daniel Brace, ClassikON
“Lawson and Szesiong Todd have a persuasive and engaging piece with Labyrinth, and, without doubt, there exists a case for its adaptation for any amount of weird and wonderful architectural spaces and global festivals.” - Paul Selar, Australian Arts Review
Acknowledgements.
Music and electronics Evan J Lawson
Libretto Daniel Szesiong Todd
Commissioned and premiered by Forest Collective
Presented by Forest Collective, Midsumma Festival and Abbotsford Convent
Musical director Evan J Lawson
Director Cathy Hunt
Choreographer Ashley Dougan
Costume Designer Jane Noonan
Lighting Designer Gabe Bethune
Theseus Daniel Szesiong Todd
Ariadne Teresa Ingrilli
Daedelus Girl Whatever
Minotaur/Piano soloist Danaë Killian
Dancers Charlie Macarthur & Ashley Dougan
Flutes Kim Tan
Viola Alex Macdonald
Past performances.
31 January - 8 February 2025
Abbotsford Convent, as part of Midsumma Festival
Melbourne-Naarm, Australia
6 - 10 February 2024
Abbotsford Convent, as part of Midsumma Festival
Melbourne-Naarm, Australia
Images by Pia Johnson.
