The scenario to Amber Spooner’s THE VARIOUS METHODS OF ESCAPE:
“Grace is 19 years old when she finally escapes 12 years in captivity. Once she returns to her family she is determined to establish a normal life for herself, but her captor Gregory won’t leave her alone. The play examines not only how Grace’s captivity affected her but also how it impacted each member of her family.
Written by Amber Spooner and Directed by Liviu Monsted, (Deadhouse: Tales of Sydney Morgue, STREET, In Waiting) and produced by Abe Bastoli/Liviu Monsted (with support from Actor’s Anonymous)
Inspiration:
Writer, Amber Spooner says “the show was inspired by Natascha Kampusch’s thoughts on her captor as well as the victimization she experienced in her post captive years”
Production History:
The Various Methods of Escape is Amber Spooner’s first play, written as part of ‘The Hive’ program run by “The Street Theatre” in Canberra in 2019. It was later developed through “Script In Hand”, an open mic script development program run by “Actors Anonymous” in 2020.
“Script In Hand” showrunner and director, Liviu Monsted says he saw the audience’s fascination with the premise and decided to produce the show with his company Mon Sans Productions, a company that focuses on developing new artists. Mon Sans Productions is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary.
Surviving Covid:
The show has battled through 2 years of Covid, with the first shutdown occurring on the night of the shows initial promotional shoot in March 2020. Rehearsals restarted once more in February the following year.
Director/Producer Liviu Monsted states, “We had to replace a key cast member due to the pandemic forcing them to move states. We watched the industry like hawks looking for a way back to normality; in 2021 we took our chances for an August run.” As the month of July drew to an end and the performance was looking like going ahead, a week out, the second major lockdown in Sydney occurred forcing another delay for the production and ticket owners.
Lead actress Lucy Hadfield states, “It was devastating. I felt like a part of myself that I had become so proud of had been torn out of me”. Finally after three months of tentatively waiting, Mon Sans Productions booked a third attempt for May 2022.
Liviu confirms, “I think keeping shows alive regardless of the delays is important; it speaks to the importance of the craft that shows don’t get abandoned.”
The Various Methods of Escape stars Lucy Hadfield (STREET) Chris Miller (DEADHOUSE) Meagan Caratti (HOME AND AWAY) Rosie Meader and Christopher Strickland. Lighting design by Mehran Mortezei.
The Various Methods of Escape by Amber Spooner.
When: Tuesday 31st MAY – Saturday 4th JUNE
Starting Time: 7pm
Where: The Actor’s Pulse Theatre.
103 Regent St, Redfern NSW 2016
Tickets: $35 Adult $30 Concession
Bookings: Eventbrite.com.au