The Lockdown Monologues – Part 2

The Lockdown Monologues is a three-part series of live online performances capturing the experiences of people living through the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

Three Melbourne playwrights, Jane Harrison, Tom Holloway and Jean Tong, have written nine solos based on real stories of how this moment in history is changing us. The strange, the funny, the brutal and the profound, these monologues are the product of a series of interviews across the community, capturing a moment of transformation in the lives of nine ordinary people. Performed live from the homes of nine actors, this project provides an intimate and deeply personal perspective on this moment of global adversity.

 

better, temporarily

Written by Jean Tong, performed by Margot Tanjutco

An overgrown kid who’s lost their casual job is suddenly finds themselves spending up to eight hours a day playing Animal Crossing. In it they find a sense of purpose and the company they lack. They’re so comfortable in this virtual space but the real world is calling.

 

Cat Lady sans Cat

Written by Jane Harrison, performed by Maude Davey

An older woman who lives alone looks out on the world changing around her, where isolation has become the norm. She’s been doing the Marie Kondo thing, when a friend knocks on her door, takes her out into the wide world and down to the beach. A surprise hug brings out a flood of emotions, and the grief over her deceased partner back into view.

 

The Drummer

Written by Tom Holloway, performed by John Marc Desengano

A high school teacher deals with a range of competing pressures including the death of his boss, a person who he would normally look to for guidance through times of crisis. He contemplates ideas of leadership and what the loss of this mentor will mean for him personally and for his students.

 

---

 

The monologues are free to watch, but audiences need to register via malthousetheatre.com.au to receive the streaming link to watch.