CLAYTON, VIC. — Monash University Student Theatre (MUST) presents the world premiere of The Heart Beats in Counts of Eight by Madeleine Willshire.
At some point in the not-too-distant future, after a synthetic revolution, Lou, Jamie and Taxon scavenge to survive in a cramped apartment. They are functionally indistinguishable from humans, except for the restrictions written into their software.
When someone tries to break in, their fragile peace fractures and Lou must learn to confront the problems of their world. Elsewhere, rogue organic engineer Calida runs a laboratory, determined to remake herself at any cost.
Drawing from genres like science fiction, dystopia, and body horror, with comedic touches woven throughout, the work is an exploration of what it means to be human, and what it is to exist in a society not built for you.
It’s an allegory for the diversity of experiences of neurodivergence, and the many challenges faced by neurodivergent people.
As we hurtle towards an uncertain future, grappling with huge divergence in human experience and Artificial Intelligence developing faster than we can perceive, this bold debut from a team of exciting emerging artists strikes loud chords of resonance, whilst promising an electric theatrical experience.
MUST is an engine room of creativity, a department of the MSA that creates vibrant, innovative theatre by, with and for Monash students and the wider community. “MUST creates astonishing and powerful work that consistently punches way above its weight and acts as an incubator for some of our most important emerging theatre artists.”
VENUE: MUST Theatre Space, Ground Floor Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Monash University, Clayton.
DATES: Monday, October 15 to Sunday, October 24, 2026.
TICKETS:
Full $27.00
Concession $21.00
Monash Students Association $19.00
EVENT WARNING: PGR.
CONTENT WARNING: Coarse language, ableism, staged violence, gore, murder, body horror & strobe lighting.
