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Labyrinth (opening night)

  • Abbotsford Convent 1 Saint Heliers Street Abbotsford, VIC, 3067 Australia (map)

Returning from their sell-out premiere 2024 season

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 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 brings a desperate humanity to this epic tale.

Enter the Labyrinth in 2025.


Labyrinth, Evan J Lawson Composer and Daniel Szesiong Todd Librettist

Evan J Lawson Musical Director
Cathy Hunt Director
Ashley Dougan Choreographer
Jane Noonan Costume Designer
Gabriel Bethune Lighting Designer

Daniel Szesiong Todd Theseus
Teresa Ingrilli Ariadne
Stel Robinson Daedelus
Danaë Killian Minotaur (piano soloist)
Ashley Dougan dancer
Kim Tan flutes
Alex Macdonald viola

Image by Jasmin Bardel

Presented by Forest Collective, Midsumma Festival and Abbotsford Convent

Earlier Event: February 1
Queer Sound Exchange
Later Event: February 2
Labyrinth