" Be strong and wrong” is a invitation to be as creatively ambitious as you want.”
Today we chat with Ozzy Breen-Carr (he/him) about preparing for and performing in the upcoming production of The VOLITION Project, directed by Belle Hansen and created by Jasper and the fellow Early Career Artists Cohort of 2024. Playing at Theatre Works Explosives Factory from 29th August to 7th September.
Can you describe a typical day of rehearsals for THE VOLITION PROJECT? What is the energy like behind the scenes?
A: A rehearsal day of The Volition Project oftens starts off with a lot of laughter. Ensemble members showing each other potential material that could be used in the show, ranging from Tik Tok sounds to famous diary room confessionals. We then warm up and start horsing around. We go over all choreography that’s in the show.We’ll stumble through what we’ve previously worked on, see what works and what doesn’t, kill our darlings and continue forward. Do a run of the show, laugh some more and go over notes. As an ensemble, the energy Is electric and upbeat , did I mention that there is a lot of laughter?
What has been the most challenging aspect of devising and bringing his production to life?
A: I would have to say that devising with a new group of creatives was at first very intimidating and challenging, but it soon became apparent that we all worked very well together. The ensemble has a collective sense of professionalism that makes the more difficult aspects of devising theatre enjoyable.
Do you have a favourite line or scene from the play? What makes it stand out to you?
A: There are so many that stand out to me, I would have to say the diary room confessionals always make me chuckle.
My favourite line would have to be “After watching Token Gay simulate getting pegged by Bree Van De Kamp”
How has working with director, Belle Hansen been?
A: Working with Belle Hansen has been such a wonderful and inspiring experience. In Rehearsals, Belle facilitates a space to explore without feeling stupid or judged.
The phrase she uses “ Be strong and wrong” is a invitation to be as creatively ambitious as you want. Belle brings professionalism and rigor to the rehearsals, and expects the same of the actors. I’ve learnt so much about my own process as an actor in time working together, and I owe Belle a lot for that.
In what ways has this role challenged you compared to other roles you've undertaken?
A: I’ve never done Swing training before. This is the process of when an actor must learn multiple tracks in the show in order to be prepared to go on with a moments notice. The prospect of having to know all these roles with different personalities, individual actions and arcs, and choreographed dances and only having 90 seconds between getting your character and performing the role is intensely frightening, and the more exciting!
Looking back at your journey through this production, what moment or aspect will you carry forward into your future projects?
A: The biggest thing I’ll take from this experience is a sense of rigor that I never thought I had, the ability to be able to fully commit myself to my craft while also enjoying the process.
THE VOLITION PROJECT IS THE FIRST PART OF VOLITION - A DOUBLE FEATURE OF NEW, EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE PLAYING AT EXPLOSIVES FACTORY THIS WEEK!
Comments