[Past Event] Midsumma Festival: Labyrinth

Enter the Labyrinth in 2024

Presented by Midsumma Festival and Abbotsford Convent.

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 new opera-ballet and 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 brings a desperate humanity to this epic tale.

6 – 10 February 2024
The Store

Book now!

About the artists

Forest Collective is a visionary non-profit artistic company based in Naarm-Melbourne. Forest Collective passionately advocates for diversity and artistic freedom in contemporary classical music, dance, and collaborative projects.

Their mission is centred on commissioning and presenting a kaleidoscope of art forms. They nurture and provide a platform for under-represented artists and the artistically vulnerable to create in a safe space.

Led by the guiding hand of composer and conductor Evan J Lawson, Forest Collective is a dynamic force, orchestrated by a dedicated team of creative practitioners. We are committed to fostering connections within our artistic community, embracing a multi-disciplinary approach that distils the essence of our elevator pitch: artists who engage with cross art-form collaborations, creating authentic and unexpected experiences.

Since their inception in 2009, born from the minds of Victorian College of the Arts students, they have metamorphosed from a conventional classical-art-music ensemble, into a dynamic company of artists from a diversity of disciplines. At their core, Forest Collective celebrates Art Music in all its contemporary, adventurous, and playful forms.

Please Note

The Store is wheelchair accessible via a private side entrance.

Forest Collective accepts Companion Card bookings via email info@forestcollective.com.au

This program is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, as part of the Convent’s 2024 Midsumma Festival program.