Wed 28 Oct · 7:30pm
State Library Victoria · Melbourne
Event Infoeventbrite.com.au Ask your mates if they’re keenGet a link for the group chat · no app neededDates & times
Your crew, sorted
See which mates are free for this, minus the group chat roll call.
Got Keen? Open it in the appAbout
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…
Quick answers
When is A Séance at State Library Victoria with Lawrence Leung?
Wed 28 Oct 2026, 7:30pm.
Where is it?
State Library Victoria, Melbourne, VIC.
How much is it?
It is free.
Where do I find out more?
On eventbrite.com.au. The button at the top of this page goes straight there.
How do I find out which of my mates are keen?
Tap "Ask your mates if they're keen" on this page. You get one link for the group chat, and your mates answer keen, maybe or can't in their browser, with no app and no sign-up. It is free.
From $68
Sovereign Hill: the gold rush era in Ballarat
Sovereign Hill · Thu 1 Oct · 10:00am
Free
In Conversation at the Shrine: Veteran Voices
Shrine of Remembrance · Sun 11 Oct · 5:00pm
From $27.78
The Untold Story of Australian Naturalist and Taxidermist Jane Word Tost
Brick Lane Market | Brick Lane Brewing Co · Tue 6 Oct · 6:30pm
Free
Spotlight On: Time-travel and Turtles
Baillieu Library · Thu 8 Oct · 12:30pm
From $35
Talks Club: The Mitford Sisters & The Devonshire Jewels
City Library · Tue 20 Oct · 10:30am
Free
Melbourne Heritage Interiors
East Melbourne Library · Thu 29 Oct · 6:00pm
The best things on this weekend, in one email. No app needed. Bail any time.
One email a week. We never share your address.
Plan it on Keen
Keen is how mates lock in plans: see who’s free, who’s keen, and actually make it happen.