A Bestiary of Unimaginable Animals - presented as part of the 2023 Frame Biennial of Dance

A Bestiary of Unimaginable Animals is an experimental choreographic as well as visual work for three dancers and a congregation of beasts, created by Nana Biluš Abaffy for Temperance Hall.

Inspired by the medieval bestiarium, which was an elaborately illustrated compendium of both real and unreal animals, minerals and other forms of life, the work sets into motion a kaleidoscopic world of motley menageries and as yet unrealised environments.

In pursuit of untouchable utopias, which we try to touch, and imperceptible animating forces, which we can’t resist, A Bestiary of Unimaginable Animals plays with a self-organising animality as it moves through a fragile habitat that can shift or break at any moment.

Unfolding over four days, this newly commissioned work invites audiences to step into a bestiary of the unimaginable.

Content warning: Please be advised that this performance contains partial nudity.

​Choreography and Visual Design: Nana Biluš Abaffy
Performers: Nana Biluš Abaffy, Geoffrey Watson, Rachael Wisby
Costumes: Olga Makeeva (costume construction), Geoffrey Watson (headpiece construction)
Set construction: Nasim Patel, assisted by Yuiko Masukawa & Derrick Duan
Production Manager: Jordi Edwards
Producer: Anna McDermott
Executive Producer: William McBride

This project has been supported by Temperance Hall; the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts; the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria; City of Port Phillip through the Cultural Development Fund.