Possessed

This performance is presented as part of the VCA Master of Theatre (Writing) Festival 2026.

Written by Zachary Sheridan, Directed by Guinevere Fisher

An experimental play made solely from words and fragments of speech taken from radio football commentary. This includes characters, props, setting, sounds, costumes, and so on - it is all inspired from what is said, what words are slipped on, when the footy is described through electric speech.

Credits

Writer: Zachary Sheridan
Director: Guinevere Fisher
Dramaturg: Annabelle Wemyss

Duration

This performance will run for approximately 80 minutes. Any latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of Front of House.

Content Information

This performance contains discussions and/or descriptions of violence, death and supernatural themes, including descriptions of graphic violence, disturbing imagery, gore and body horror.

Venue Information

This event takes place in Studio 4, located in the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building. Please meet Front of House in the foyer on the ground floor. Studio 4 is then accessible via the stairs or lift.

Image: Last Judgement by Pieter Huys 1553/54

Read more about the Master of Theatre (Writing) graduates presenting this season.

Zachary Sheridan is a theatre-maker who has written and performed in various creative works. His most recent script was an "adaptation" of the 1962 Golden Circle Tropical Recipe Book done in the style of Dante's Inferno. Zach has been the recipient of the Flinders University and State Theatre Company of SA Young Playwrights' Award, The Blue Room Theatre Judges' Award, as well as the Best Theatre Award at Melbourne Fringe.

Thanks to Annabelle and Guinevere and the actors for taking on this project. Thanks to Emily for the encouragement. Thank you to Clare, Karla, Ibo, and Meg for the feedback and support. Thank you to Kat and Raimondo for asking me to be part of this process. Thanks also and congratulations to the Masters of Writing students - Harrison, Holland, Jan, Pauline, and Robbie.

• Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to secure your seat. Due to high demand, if you have not arrived by the start of the event, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door.

• Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.  

• Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour. 

TICKET PRICE

Free. Registrations required on Humanitix.

Please note that there is often a drop-off in attendance at our free events on the day of the performance. If this event is booked out and you have not secured a ticket, we encourage you to arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the advertised start time and speak to our Front of House team. Once audience members with tickets have been seated, any remaining seats will be made available to patrons waiting at the door. Please be advised that entry without securing a ticket in advance cannot be guaranteed.

If you have booked for a performance and are no longer able to attend, please cancel your booking via your Humanitix account or email us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au.

PARKING 

The City of Melbourne has changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine.  

ACCESSIBILITY 

We are committed to making our events accessible and will accommodate requirements wherever possible. All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au if you have any questions. 

Read more about accessibility at our venues.