Midsumma at the Convent 2025

A NIGHT OF QUEER STORYTELLING

Abbotsford Convent Artist-in-Residence Amelia Jean O’Leary welcomes audiences into her creative space, giving a glimpse of her recent creative projects. Witness three new First Nations femme queer contemporary dance works.

23 – 25 January
Oratory

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A live film set under the light of the moon. Moving between performance lecture, sci-fi thriller and musical extravaganza, Ari Angkasa performs as the intermediary and director between stage screen.

23 – 25 January
Sacred Heart Courtyard

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A six-handed ensemble piece set in a regional Australian town, written by trans playwright and actor, Ben MacEllen (He/him). It examines the dynamics of gender in tight-knit communities and the challenges faced by trans individuals in finding acceptance.

25 January
Bishops’s Parlour

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Join us for a Queer Quiz Night with old gold tooth, the art hunter Pastor David Hunt and ribald mayhem with Mother Quiche Myass.

25 January
Mural Hall

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Explore queer histories, challenging colonial and binary structures with an immersive gallery and performative experience by Jessi Ryan. Enter an intimate space truth is told under nightlife beats.

29 January – 8 February
The Store

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An otherworldly immersive theatrical opera-ballet and piano concerto by Forest Collective. Descend into the labyrinth of Greek myth.

31 Jan – 8 Feb
Industrial School and Magdalen Laundry

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An exhibition considering queer matrimony, ritual and love. A captivating installation by Naarm-based visual artist, wrier and curator Josephine Mead, accompanied by a sound-score by BJ Morriszonkle and Nero Friktschn Feuerherdt.

31 Jan – 2 Feb
Bishop’s Parlour
FREE

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Celebrate queer joy, enjoy a drink and nibbles, learn and make some fine art in this fully tutored life drawing class with male models in the gorgeous Mural Hall of Abbotsford Convent.

1 February
Mural Hall

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An introductory workshop in rope bondage and navigating intimacy, pleasure and consent for beginners and anyone eager to explore, practice, and play – facilitated by acclaimed artist and ropeworker, Luke George.

1 February
Rosina Auditorium

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Where queer musicians, composers, and sound artists come together for an afternoon of creativity, networking and connection. This event is all about sparking conversations, sharing ideas, and celebrating the vibrant world of queer sound in Naarm-Melbourne.

1 February
Rosina Auditorium
FREE

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A new play by award-winning artist Sarah Carroll, that delves into the complexities of queer romance and Pasifika identity, addressing authenticity, cultural tradition, and family acceptance through theatre.

8 February
Oratory

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