Orpheus

“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.

This performance is part of Abbotsford Convent's Convent Live program.

Orpheus is support by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

Composer & Conductor - Evan Lawson
Choreographer & Dancer - Ashley Dougan
Costume designer - Jane Noonan
Set designer - Candice MacAllister
Dramaturgy - John Pyburn
Producer - Emily Sweeney

Orpheus - Raymond Khong (guest musician)
Eurydice - Kate Bright
Calaïs - Joseph Ewart (guest musician)
Dancers - Luke Fryer & Piaera Lauritz

Flutes - Erica Tucceri (guest musician)
Recorders - Ryan Williams
Clarinet - Vilan Mai
Saxophones - Jesse Deane (guest musician)
Trombone & Sackbut - Trea Hindley
Harp - Samantha Ramirez (guest musician)
Percussion - Alexander Clayton
Violin - Helen Bower
Cello - Evelyn Searle (guest musician)
Double Bass - Ian Crossfield (guest musician)