What's On

Landmark new ballet-opera by Evan Lawson, choreographed by Ashley Dougan

"Forest Collective make contemporary music sound, look, and feel exciting." - CutCommon

For Midsumma Festival 2019 Forest Collective is proud to present the world premiere season of new ballet-opera of ancient Greek myth Orpheus by artistic director Evan Lawson. A thrilling retelling of the infamous myth, this version not only explores the sad tale of his love with Eurydice but his untold gay relationship with fellow argonaut, Calais.

Devised from text's from ancient operas based on Orpheus, this work will be danced and choreographed by dynamic emerging artist Ashley Dougan and Eurydice sung by Forest Collective core mezzo soprano Kate Bright. Orpheus' dark and mysterious journey is brought life by designer Jane Noonan to bring about a rich and inspiring series of performances.

Composed and conducted by one of Australia's leading emerging queer musicians, Evan Lawson's music has been described as "bar to bar, beautiful" in RealTime Magazine.

This landmark new opera, the first in Midsumma Festival's history, will prove to be one of the cultural highlights for Melbourne summer 2019.

Composer & Musical Director - Evan Lawson
Choreographer & Dancer - Ashley Dougan
Costume Designer - Jane Noonan
Set Designer - Candice MacAllister
Dramaturgy - John Pyburn

Eurydice - Kate Bright
Dancers - Luke Fryer & Piaera Lauritz
Harp - Samantha Remirez (guest musician)
Flutes - Eric Tucceri (guest musician)
Clarinets - Vilan Mai
Recorders - Ryan Williams
Trombone/Sackbut - Trea Hindley
Percussion - Alexander Clayton
Violin - Helen Bower
Double Bass/Viola - Bec Scully

Orpheus is a co-commission between Forest Collective & Prismatx Ensemble. Orpheus is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
This performance is part of Abbotsford Convent's Convent Live program.