An audio adventure into eternity

Listening Sessions

 

Embark on a journey of discovery as you seek out the monolith – you know, the one that has all the answers to life’s biggest questions that can’t possibly be answered... Or can they? 

Developed with young people from across the country, monolith is an audio-based experience that uses meditation and mindfulness to take you on an adventure just beyond your perception.

Wearing wireless headphones, you’ll get comfy and listen to monolith with a small group of other people. Close your eyes, use your imagination, and discover the wonders of the universe without moving a muscle – you might just find something you didn’t know you were missing.

After listening, there’ll be a short, optional discussion, giving you the opportunity to reflect and share your experience, before taking a monolith gift box away with you!

#monolith 

monolith was made remotely in Birmingham, Brighton, Darlington, Hartlepool, Leeds, Lincoln, Liverpool, London, Redcar, and Sittingbourne.


Tour Dates

Access to monolith Listening Sessions is restricted to young people invited by our partner organisations.

East Midlands Community Groups
25th & 26th October & 21st November 2022
Supported by The Mighty Creatives

Barnsley Community Groups
22nd - 24th November 2022
Supported by The Civic, Barnsley

Things to know about monolith Listening Sessions

Age suitability

monolith is suitable for those aged 13+.

Running time

70 minutes in total, including the 35 minute audio experience and an optional 35 minute discussion.

What the experience is like

monolith is an audio experience that you listen to with headphones. It's a cross between an audio drama, a meditation session, and a podcast. The characters in the story will take you on an extraordinary journey across the universe. At our Listening sessions, you'll listen to monolith with a small group of other people at a community venue. On arrival, you'll be welcomed by the Zest team. Our staff have loads of experience working with young people and will support you throughout the whole session. You'll get comfy on a soft yoga mat, put on some headphones, and listen to monolith. It's best if you close you eyes to imagine the story unfold - but that's up to you. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to join in a short, optional discussion. Before you leave, you'll also be given a free gift box to take away with you! It'll all be very calm and chilled. You'll be in control of your experience and won't be made to do anything you don't want to do.

Trigger warnings & strong content

monolith contains occasional strong language. This audio experience aims to promote good mental health and connection following extended periods of isolation. This does employ mindfulness techniques, such as tempered breathing, as well as soundscapes that occasionally become quite intense. We ask listeners to remain mindful and feel free to adjust the volume, remove your headphones, or leave the space as needed. We want you to engage with the work in the way that best suits your personal needs. The Zest team will be present the whole time, ready to support you and provide self-care tips.

Accessibility

monolith is an audio experience, but there are lots of reasons why you might want a text version to read along. Copies of the full script will be available to read upon arrival.

Booking your place

Access to monolith Listening Sessions is restricted to those invited by our partner organisations. If you've been invited, you will be given all the details.

What things you need

You just need to bring yourself, you'll be provided with everything you need to enjoy the experience.

How many people can take part

monolith Listeneing Sessions are limited to 20 people.

I've not heard of a monolith before

A monolith is a large single block made out of rock or metal, usually shaped into a pillar or monument. Give it a Google and take a look at the images - you'll see what we mean.


Gallery


Credits

Cast

SOMEONE
Jessica Gomez-Ejimbe

PHONE OPERATOR
Lachlan Madin

AN OLD FRIEND
Robert Hart

UNWANTED
Elly Adam

UNSEEN
Katie Grant

CHORUS OF VOICES
Henry Austin
Millie Jenkins
Gaz Thomson

Creative & Production

WRITER
Jenny Daniels

COMPOSER & SOUND DESIGNER
Testament

DIRECTOR
Toby Ealden

PRODUCER - AUDIO EXPERIENCE
Catherine Fowles

MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT
Lou Platt

PERFORMANCE MENTOR
Harris Cain

 

ARTWORK
Fabric.

PROP DESIGNER & MAKER
Helen Symonds

LIGHTING PROGRAMMER
Myk Hoyle

RESEARCHED & DEVELOPED WITH
The young people of Future Proof

PRODUCER - LISTENING SESSIONS TOUR
Laura Killeen

 

Originally created through support by DCMS and Arts Council England through the Culture Recovery Fund, and Lincoln City Council through the Business Revival Grant Fund.