Lincoln-based Zest Theatre has worked remotely with young people and creatives from across the country on monolith, an audio-based experience that “responds buoyantly to the growing mental health crisis young people face”.
Throughout the pandemic, Zest consulted its youth advisory board Future Proof to understand what young people need and monolith is a piece crafted from their suggestions.
Artistic Director Toby Ealden said, "I find it incredible to remember that monolith was created remotely during the pandemic, without a single member of the cast or creative team ever meeting face to face. Yet despite that disconnection, monolith speaks so deeply about the universal threads that connect us all.”
Producer Catherine Fowles added, "each project we've produced this year has been a new way of working for Zest, and monolith has been an incredibly exciting journey. We've been able to bring together a dynamic team, develop new talent and ensure we’re serving our intended audience through consultation.”
The cast of monolith is Jessica Gomez-Ejimbe, Lachlan Madin, Robert Hart, Elly Adam, Katie Grant, Henry Austin, Millie Jenkins and Gaz Thomson. The script is by Jenny Daniels and music and sound design by Testament.
Premièring at the Frequency International Festival of Digital Culture, monolith will be available from Thursday 28 October.