Volition

by Aleathea Monsour and Katy Forde

Volition is about a young couple trapped in a dead end telemarketing job. Seeking excitement, they decide to break into a deserted prison. As the minutes tick down to midnight, they learn they’re not the only ones who are trapped  …

How was it staged?

The staging was an important part of this musical. Under the technical direction of production manager Linus Monsour, the entire theatre was rigged with ‘ghosts’.

Every seat in the theatre was wired with its own sound system, so ghosts could whisper directly into the ears of individual audience members.

Bass shakers were bolted to the seats, so the audience could feel the coming of evil spirits.

Projections of ghosts appeared to move along the walls of the theatre.

These elements helped to create a truly immersive theatrical experience.

Three-person musical

“Volition” was written as a three-hander. The characters are Jess and Cory, a young couple unsure how to find passion and meaning in their life. The third character is a ghost, trapped in the old prison until he finds someone who can free him. Keeping the musical small, with only three people, makes this a viable musical for tours.

Click through the photos below.

Thank you to Metro Arts

In 2007,  “Volition” was included in the Metro Arts Independents Program. The same year, the writing team, Aleathea Monsour and Katy Forde, also won the Metro Arts BizArts Makers Scholarship, which included inner-city office space and one full year of arts business training. Aleathea and Katy would like to thank Metro Arts for their support.

“Volition” – Original cast and crew

Writer: Katy Forde

Composer: Aleathea Monsour

Director: Bridget Boyle

Lighting: Jason Glenwright

Set Design: Robert Kronk

Cast: Ross Balbuziente, Aleathea Monsour, Paul Careless

Band: Gary Nunn, Erin Murphy, Linus Monsour

Huge thanks to Vanessa Crowther for these gorgeous shots!