Lost Souls – Monologues and Duologue in Lockdown 2020
5 short dramas self recorded during lockdown, to be released on a weekly basis.
Written by Jayne Woodhouse
Directed by Calum Robshaw
The impact of Covid-19, with the resulting closure of theatres, festivals and public performances, has meant we have all had to look beyond our usual creative outlets to find alternative ways of connecting with audiences. For our latest production, Lost Souls, we have used the advantages of technology to develop five new short plays, specially written for one and two voices. These have been rehearsed as a company online and then recorded by the individual actors, in or around their own homes.
Each of the characters in Lost Souls is struggling in their own, very different, ways to make positive and honest human relationships. Ray, in Beautiful, is a homeless alcoholic, whose only true connection in life has been with his beloved dog. The mother in Home Comforts is desperate to support her child, who is struggling with their mental health, but can only say all the wrong things. Eddie has made a successful life for himself and his family, but cannot shake off his shady past in Eddie’s Encounter; while Laura, in Chains, cannot recognise that she is being controlled by an abusive relationship. Finally Woebot explores, in a humorous way, what might happen when we let Artificial Intelligence take over our emotional needs.
Lost Souls has been an inspiring project. We have all drawn strength from the spirit of collaboration and a shared need to create new work and adapt our skills to meet the present challenges. It represents one of many responses which show how the arts will always flourish and shine, in even the darkest of times.
Explores themes which some viewers may find distressing.
Artistic Directors
Calum Robshaw
Jayne Woodhouse
Company
Carmen Ali
Neil Gardner
David House
Rosannah Lenaghan
Kayley Rainton
