About this Event
As darkness falls, join acclaimed writer, performer and State Library Victoria fellow Lawrence Leung in the majestic Ian Potter Queen’s Hall for a candlelit séance inspired by Melbourne’s uncanny past.
In the late 1800s, otherwise respectable Victorians gathered in darkened rooms to 'communicate with spirits'. Scientists investigated ghosts. A future prime minister attended Spiritualist meetings. Celebrity mediums filled theatres with the promise of answers and wonder.
Drawing on his fellowship research into 19th-century mediumship in the Library’s collections, Lawrence reincarnates a forgotten time of superstition and supernatural spectacle. Through historical storytelling, interactive rituals and psychological experiments, this immersive performance lecture explores a question that fascinated Victorians, and still resonates today: why do we believe?
Some willing audience members may be invited to join the circle to participate in this experience.
Plus, join us earlier at 8pm for a drink and a special collection viewing of rare books and artefacts about ghost communication.
Book your tickets now.
This event is supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants and State Library Victoria.
About Lawrence Leung
Lawrence Leung is an award-winning performer, immersive theatre-maker and screenwriter fascinated by curious beliefs and forgotten histories. His State Library Victoria Creative Fellowship explored 19th-century Spiritualism and séances in the Library’s collections, uncovering accounts from believers and sceptics, fraudulent mediums and esoteric artefacts.
His work spans varied formats and spaces, from stand-up comedy to interactive installation art (Mystery Box, Science Gallery Melbourne/Arts@CERN), and from global Zoom performances (Connected, London Soho Theatre) to immersive secret warehouse shows (Locus, Melbourne Fringe).
He created the ABC documentary series Unbelievable, exploring the boundary between science and superstition. His screenwriting has earned AWGIE nominations and the feature adaptation of his theatre show Sucker was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.
Start your evening with a ghost tour
Add on The Haunted Library Tour for just $26 per person. Guided by Library storytellers, step beyond the shelves and into the shadows as you uncover Library mysteries, unexplained encounters and intriguing collection items on an exclusive guided tour after hours. This can be purchased via the 'Add-On' section upon checkout. Spaces are limited.
By registering to attend or purchasing a ticket to a State Library Victoria event, you agree to our Conditions of Entry.
You can read accessibility information about the Library here.
Views expressed by the speakers do not necessarily represent the views of the State Library Victoria.
Event venue & nearby stays
State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia
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