LABYRINTH
2024
Libretto by Daniel Szesiong Todd
Commissioned by Forest Collective, Midsumma Festival and Abbotsford Convent
Dedicated to Danaë Killian.
dur. 35”
A dance-Opera-piano concerto in 5 scenes
Roles
High Voice (Tenor) - Theseus
High Voice (Soprano) - Ariadne
Lower Voice (Mezzo Soprano/Counter Tenor/Baritone) - Daedelus
Piano - Minotaur/Asterion
Alto Flute, doubling on Flute and Bass Flute
Electric 5 string Violin
Electronics
synopsis
Stone. Sweat. Fear.
From deep within – a low, strange moan.
This is a place of terror. Of sacrifice. Of reckoning.
This is the Labyrinth.
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.
world premiere performance
February 6 - February 10, 2024
Presented by Forest Collective, Abbotsford Convent and Midsumma Festival
The Store, Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne, Australia
Theseus - Daniel Szesiong Todd
Ariadne - Teresa Ingrilli
Daedelus - S0daWater
Minotaur/Piano soloist - Danaë Killian
Dancers - Jesse Matthews & Ashley Dougan
Flutes - Kim Tan
Violin - Helen Bower
Composer & Sound designer - Evan J Lawson
Choreographer & Dancer - Ashley Dougan
Costume Designer - Jane Noonan
Lighting Designer - Gabe Bethune
Photos by Suzanne Phoenix
Download the program
“Lawson’s haunting, impactful music and Szesiong Todd’s lucid and lyrical libretto are a complementary marriage. And the incorporation of pianist as Minotaur, whose ominous expression is sporadically heard but unseen until turning the corner into the final space, is an ingenious conceit. ”
“Although only about 40 minutes long, Labyrinth, composed by Evan J Lawson, with libretto by Daniel Szesiong Todd, packed a full range of energy and emotion into a new interpretation of the Greek tale of the Minotaur and his slaying at the hand of Theseus, with the assistance of Ariadne.”
“The work is filled with haunting, beautiful music and a collection of scenes that are mystical.”