Stone. Sweat. Fear. From deep within – a low, strange moan. This is a place of terror. Of sacrifice. Of reckoning.
This is the Labyrinth.
Labyrinth.
Dates.
31 January — 8 February 2025
Friday 31 January 9pm (preview only)
Saturday 1 February 9pm (opening night)
Sunday 2 February 9pm
Tuesday 4 February 9pm
Thursday 6 February 9pm
Friday 7 February 9pm
Saturday 8 February 3pm (tactile tour)
Saturday 8 February 4pm (audio described)
Saturday 8 February 9pm (closing night)
About the event.
In the haunting corridors beneath Abbotsford Convent, Forest Collective presents a reimagining of their highly successful opera-ballet & 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.
Re-enter the Labyrinth in 2025.
“Labyrinth, is packed a full range of energy and emotion into a new interpretation of the Greek tale of the Minotaur”
— Classic Melbourne“The effect [of the operatic verses and music] was magic, with the space seemingly perfect for creating the echoing chamber of music that formed the basis of this piece”
—Theatre Travels“Start to finish, every element combines in an absorbing theatrical experience.”
— Australia Arts Review
Venue.
Abbotsford Convent — Magdalen Laundry
1 St. Heliers Street
Abbotsford VICTORIA
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Ticket prices.
Full: $55
Concession: $45
Senior: $50
First Nations: $45
Student: $35
Of note.
60 minutes duration, no interval.
Sung in English.
Trigger warnings:
Mature Themes.
Recommended for people aged 16 and over.
This is not a seated event and has long periods of standing.
This event includes loud or sudden noises and contains scenes featuring the use of a sword.
More access information below.
Creatives.
Evan J Lawson Composer, Music Director & Sound Designer
Daniel Szesiong Todd Librettist
Cathy Hunt Director
Ashley Dougan Choreographer
Jane Noonan Costume Designer
Gabe Bethune Lighting Designer
Cast.
Daniel Szesiong Todd Theseus
Teresa Ingrilli Ariadne
Girl Whatever Daedelus
Danae Killian Minotaur (piano soloist)
Ashley Dougan Dancer
Kim Tan Flutes
Alex Macdonald Viola
Presented by Forest Collective, Abbotsford Convent and Midsumma Festival.
Supported by the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM).
Tactile tour and audio description provided by Vitea Veritas.
Images by Suzanne Phoenix.
Accessibility.
Tactile tour.
The Saturday 8 February 4pm performance includes a pre-performance tactile tour. The tactile tour will commence at 3pm.
Audio description.
The Saturday 8 February 4pm performance will be audio described by Vitae Veritas.
Audio Description is a key access tool enabling people who are blind or have low vision to equitably access arts and culture. Audio description can also benefit people with neurodiversity and Autism.
Audio describer guides will provide one-on-one tailored descriptions and sighted guiding throughout the performance. Guides will meet and greet patrons on arrival at the entrance gates located at 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford.
For any queries regarding describer guide and/or tactile tour services, please contact Nilgun at Vitae Veritas on 0400 901 848 or email nilgun@vitaeveritas.com.au
For Abbotsford Convent Accessibility information, including Precinct and Access Maps, please click here.
Companion card bookings.
Forest Collective accepts Companion Card bookings. If you would like to arrange a Companion Ticket, you will need to contact Midsumma Festival via email boxoffice@midsumma.org.au with the subject heading "Companion Ticket" or call 03 9296 6600 between 11am and 4pm from Monday to Friday.
Guide and assistance dogs.
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome to all Forest Collective performances. Dogs must be kept on their leash at all times.