‘Camaraderie’ and ‘connection’ drives Melton production

Cast member David Prince in his costume for character 'Orcus' (Supplied).

Eddie Russell

Elves, orcs, dragons, and warriors are coming to Melton this week, with Melton Performing Arts bringing acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen’s She Kills Monsters to life.

The production follows protagonist Agnes, who attempts to learn more about her dead younger sister through the beloved fantasy role playing game Dungeons & Dragons.

Tickets are available for two shows on Saturday, July 20 at 2pm and 7pm.

The play blends comedy and drama as the characters face challenges of the real world and otherworldly respectively.

Cast member Josh Tooth, who is also on the Melton Performing Arts committee, said the group was about more than just putting on plays.

“Our ethos is not necessarily driving our own productions but providing a means for people to put on their own interests,” he said.

“Our passion is building performing arts in the community.”

Tooth, who is an “avid” Dungeons & Dragons fan, said the story appealed to him because of his own experiences playing the game.

“Coming from a ‘D’n’D’ background and loving that connection that comes from a ‘D’n’D’ group … my favourite part is the way the main character explores the relationship with her sister … through playing the module that her sister created.”

Darin Casler plays Miles, the boyfriend of Agnes.

While Casler does not have the same love for the game as other cast members, he can still see what it means to them.

“I’ve never played ‘D’n’D’ but Katie [a cast member] sent us a video of the creator of the play saying he learned English through playing it,” Casler said.

“That camaraderie resonates with me; I have friends that play and they get together and communicate after all these years.”

Tickets: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1231636