For their latest offering, Forest Collective takes its audience into the labyrinthian myth of Theseus and Ariadne and their battle with the Minotaur, Ariadne’s half-brother. Set in the large and winding spaces within Abbotsford Convent, this opera / physical theatre performance of Labyrinth leads us into the maze alongside Theseus as he edges his way to the confrontation with the beast that has the head and tail of a bull and the body of a man.
Artistic Director of Forest Collective Evan J. Lawson serves as composer, music director and sound designer for this production and the touches he has put to these define and embolden the vision of this show. Alongside librettist Daniel Szesiong Todd, this is a captivating story that is told at a pace that allows you to be drawn deeper and deeper into this world.
Cathy Hunt’s direction uses the near empty rooms incredibly well, where this cold, dark maze comes to life. Singers, musicians, and dancers are appropriately positioned to fill the room and where the acoustics can reverberate, and getting a sense of the fear and tension that builds as Theseus carries on with his journey. The final scene is presented in a uniquely effective way that is quite unexpected, but if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from Forest Collective, it's to expect surprises.
Ashley Dougan’s choreography of the thread dance displays remarkable control where two dancers (Ashley Dougan and Charlie MacArthur) interact with pieces of sheer red fabrics hanging from the ceiling as they move a ball of red thread throughout the space, getting closer to the Minotaur. Distant piano playing can be heard, an aural representation of the creature and hinting of the horror that awaits. Dougan and MacArthur are entrancing in their routine, showing full command of their bodies and movements while giving themselves completely over to the music.
The entire cast of Labyrinth are exceptional. Todd and Teresa Ingrilli, as Theseus and Ariadne respectively, are a formidable duo with strong, complementary energy, voices and acting. Girl Whatever makes the most of the limited stage time Daedalus is given, easily conveying the madness and panic that has occupied him.
The music by Danae Killian (piano), Kim Tan (flutes) and Alex Macdonald (viola) simultaneously ground the singers/dancers and uplift them. The instruments are played at various times with different pairings providing unique soundscapes to each scene.
Labyrinth is an impressive production with all the elements seamlessly coming together. It's another big tick of the highest approval for a performing arts company that continues to engage and inspire its audience with the endless possibilities of what opera and music concerts can be.
Show Details
Artistic Director of Forest Collective Evan J. Lawson serves as composer, music director and sound designer for this production and the touches he has put to these define and embolden the vision of this show. Alongside librettist Daniel Szesiong Todd, this is a captivating story that is told at a pace that allows you to be drawn deeper and deeper into this world.
Cathy Hunt’s direction uses the near empty rooms incredibly well, where this cold, dark maze comes to life. Singers, musicians, and dancers are appropriately positioned to fill the room and where the acoustics can reverberate, and getting a sense of the fear and tension that builds as Theseus carries on with his journey. The final scene is presented in a uniquely effective way that is quite unexpected, but if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from Forest Collective, it's to expect surprises.
Ashley Dougan’s choreography of the thread dance displays remarkable control where two dancers (Ashley Dougan and Charlie MacArthur) interact with pieces of sheer red fabrics hanging from the ceiling as they move a ball of red thread throughout the space, getting closer to the Minotaur. Distant piano playing can be heard, an aural representation of the creature and hinting of the horror that awaits. Dougan and MacArthur are entrancing in their routine, showing full command of their bodies and movements while giving themselves completely over to the music.
The entire cast of Labyrinth are exceptional. Todd and Teresa Ingrilli, as Theseus and Ariadne respectively, are a formidable duo with strong, complementary energy, voices and acting. Girl Whatever makes the most of the limited stage time Daedalus is given, easily conveying the madness and panic that has occupied him.
The music by Danae Killian (piano), Kim Tan (flutes) and Alex Macdonald (viola) simultaneously ground the singers/dancers and uplift them. The instruments are played at various times with different pairings providing unique soundscapes to each scene.
Labyrinth is an impressive production with all the elements seamlessly coming together. It's another big tick of the highest approval for a performing arts company that continues to engage and inspire its audience with the endless possibilities of what opera and music concerts can be.
Show Details
Venue: Abbotsford Convent, 1 St. Helliers St, Abbotsford
Season: Until 8 February | Thurs - Fri 9pm, Sat 4pm and 9pm
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $55 Full | $45 Conc
Bookings: Midsumma Festival
Image credit: Pia Johnson
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