Past Performance
Baryshnikov Arts Center + Performance Space 122 Present

Helen Herbertson + Ben Cobham

Morphia Series (N.Y. Premiere)

Jan 12-16, 2016

" . . . a beautifully conceived piece...which set a high standard in uncompromisingly abstract, yet accessible work." 
The Guardian

At the intersection of light, darkness and spatial depth lies Melbourne-based Helen Herbertson and Ben Cobham’s Morphia Series: an intimate series of visual haikus, performed for an audience of 12 only. Inspired by Morpheus, son of Hypnos and the god of dreams, this exquisite intimate performance of light, sound and movement hovers in a phantasmal dream world.

Co-presented by Baryshnikov Arts Center and PS122 as part of COIL 2016 Festival

Morphia Series is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and by the Faculty of VCA & MCM, University of Melbourne. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

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"Review: ‘Morphia Series’ Presents a Duet of Darkness and Depth"


Helen Herbertson
Artist Bio

Helen Herbertson

A seminal figure in Australian dance, Helen Herbertson was honored with the Kenneth Myer Medallion for Distinguished Contribution to the Performing Arts in 2007. As a performer, choreographer and creative collaborator, Helen has been crafting performance for more than four decades, regularly presenting in Australian and international festivals (Glasgow, Dublin, Paris, Singapore, Portland, Tokyo, New York, Zurich). 

Her own choreographic interests focus on the dynamic flow between people and place, the interaction of body and landscape or situation, interior life with light, form and place. Fusing the development of an expressive, physical language with a detailed exploration of the performance site, the work emphasizes the integration of lighting and design while working collaboratively, from inception with performers and creative teams.

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Ben Cobham
Artist Bio

Ben Cobham

Ben Cobham’s lighting and design work has been a striking and influential contributor to the dance and theater scene in Melbourne for over twenty years, with regular Green Room nominations and awards. Ben’s experience encompasses design and light for theatrical and commercial environments with extensive touring experience with many of Australia’s arts companies. 

Ben’s work with Australia’s design company, Bluebottle, has been honored with the 2001 and 2007 Green Room John Truscott Award for Excellence in Design and is a 2011 Sidney Myer Creative Fellow.

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All photos: Rachelle Roberts