iQuest: The Creative Process

"Test-driving a new game takes a life-changing turn for Larry as his avatar, Cassius, goes on the Ultimate Quest, facing challenge after challenge, including that of Larry’s own life…"

iQuest is an original musical written by ROC'UM, the newest musical theatre company at the University of Melbourne. It will be performed at Union Theatre on Friday 26/8 9pm and Saturday 27/8 3pm & 6:30pm. I spoke with Eden Elliott (Director), Joshua Chang (Musical Director) and Tasha Irina (Book Writer) earlier this week – asking them about how the show was created and why you should go see it!

I’m curious about the creative process of iQuest — how did it start?
Eden: iQuest happened mostly by accident. The production team of the previous show already had ideas in the works, but we decided it would be more according to ROC'UM's principles to write something collectively. A little bit of brainstorming around the Mudfest 'kaleidoscopic' theme landed us instantly in the cyber-world. Anyone who volunteered helped write or compose.
Tasha: We wanted to do something that hasn't been done before. This is what we have :)

How did the collaboration start? Did it start with the script, or the music?
Eden: Collaboration worked mostly on a scene-by-scene basis. The writer produced the initial version of a scene; composers immediately got to work. Except in the case of the opening number, everything developed scene-first and was adapted in later versions. The composers also developed the over-arching themes of the musical using reprises and motifs, to help keep things cogent and really emphasise the satirical nature of the show.
Josh: Lyrics versus music varied. For example, in the avatar building song and P-Jizzle's rap, a writer produced the lyrics, which were then put to music by a composer. In other scenes, composers were given the characters, setting and dialoge around, and then wrote the song.

What inspired you when you were writing & developing iQuest?
Tasha: The Mudfest theme helped guide us but basically when it came down to it, it was a team effort. Characters and script were mainly my forte but everyone could bring their ideas in. Essentially it's like a trip down memory lane.
Eden: I will add that in almost every rehearsal, someone would make a joke or reference based on the script and we'd decide to include it.

How long did it take to write & develop iQuest?
Eden: The show has certainly taken its time – without the readily, instantly accessible internet, we couldn't have pulled this off. Despite the limitations of the Mudfest time frame, this show has been written and performed by amateurs all at once, remarkably. Some songs have been in place for months now – some for less than a week!
Josh: I'll add that I think that time pressure can force art to be good, or at least tight, without loose lazy bits.

How do you feel the collaborative process among cast members and the creative team has shaped the show?
Eden: For ROC'UM, the collaborative process is the show. The whole purpose of this theatre company is that everyone partake, and learn about any and all aspects of what it takes to put on a show. Some of the cast members have really grown a lot and everyone's skills have been put to good use.
Josh: And this is wonderful, because the marker of how good an experience is how much people grow – individually and in their bonds with others.

What are some of the things that you wish to achieve with iQuest?
Eden: for iQuest? I want everyone involved to be proud of what we've made, and for our audiences to understand exactly how difficult and wonderful ROC'UM is. For the company herself, we want more people involved who understand the ROC'UM spirit, and to establish ourselves so that in the future we can work with other, more experienced theatre companies to give our team just that little bit more knowledge.
Tasha: To let people discover skills they didn't know they had, to entertain and have fun... and possibly show that it's okay to be a geek :)

What has been the most challenging thing about writing, composing and developing the show – and realising it from page to stage?

Eden: I'm not afraid the show will fail to make money or entertain. I'm afraid the people involved won't feel good about it – and they deserve to! The most challenging part will be bringing the audience an understanding of where we come from and importantly why we exist.
Josh: I think the hardest thing was maintaining the momentum, development and flow of the show. I think the scriptwriters did and excellent job of this – I would've struggled in their places.
Tasha: The constant revision of the script but it was all worth it.

What do you enjoy most about being involved in iQuest?

Eden: Vocal direction is my passion. Being able to realise the harmonies in one's head, even in part, is always a great thing.

Josh: I love being able to perform good music as a group, and to see tremendous growth and improvement, which is clearly visible among the members of ROC'UM. Of course, entertaining an audience will be the funnest part of it all.
Tasha: Getting to work with passionate and great people. They're like family now.

Describe iQuest in three words!
Eden: I don't need three – wonderful, in the original sense of the word.
Josh: Hilarious Musical Satire / Majorly Unprecedented Awesomeness / Songs, Comedy, Collectibles / Questions e-Society Musically.
Tasha: Irrevocable Indescribable Awesomeness.

Why should people go & see iQuest?
Eden: ^see all above
Josh: People should see iQuest because it contains the best songs released in 2011. Seriously.
Tasha: Because it's fun, it's original, and a new experience for all.

Is there anything else you'd like to add about iQuest or ROC'UM?
Eden: Come and be welcomed!
Josh: I think that everyone should know that we in ROC'UM call ourselves the doughnuts. Do-nut make fun of this.
Tasha: All I can say is <3

photos by Adilah Ikram Shah