Daedalus is thought to be the son of the mythic founder of Athens. He is a brilliant architect and inventor. He murders his nephew because he fears the boy's talents, and, as punishment, is banished from the court of Athens to the isle of Crete under the rule of King Minos.

On Crete, he fathers a son, Icarus. Over time, Daedalus becomes involved in court intrigues, which enrages the king. Daedalus and Icarus are forced to flee the island kingdom. The king controls the land and sea, but not the air, so Daedalus fabricates two pairs of wings using feathers, thread, and wax. He secures the smaller feathers with wax and larger feathers with thread, creating a curvature like the wings of a bird. With the enthusiasm of a headstrong youth, Icarus flies too close to the sun, his wings melt, and he falls to his death. Daedalus flies on to safety in Sicily.

DIG explores the father/son relationship with questions of cause, effect and accountability.