"I went searching for snippets of inspiration in old articles on the terrors of youth" - Iley Jones on creating 'Good Talk'

Iley Jones is the writer of Good Talk, presented by Moontan Productions, and also plays Erin in the show. Moontan Productions presented What Day Is It Anyway with Anywhere in 2020 and are back to premier Good Talk as part of the festival in 2021.

Iley Jones and Cheng Tang. This image + cover image: Amelia Gilday

Tell us about the show in 100 words or less

Good Talk is a 40 minute two-hander revolving around high school sweethearts Jiā lǐ and Erin. While avoiding the realities of their deteriorating relationship they return to their hometown for their high school reunion. Upon arrival they find themselves alone with their thoughts and feelings, listening to each other and finding the cracks in their 10-year relationship. What was thought to be safely secured and locked in, is now exposed and left raw.

Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?

The majority of our show takes place in a small studio BNB. Our two venues, Elements Collective in Fortitude Valley and The Moon Room, Arcana in Moorooka, are intimate and warm, making them the perfect setting for our show. The intimate spaces will allow the audience in and the story to bleed out.

What is your creative process like?

Organically messy. While writing I bounced off the ideas of Amelia, our Director, and Cheng Tang, who is playing Jiā lǐ, regularly throughout the development process. I went searching for snippets of inspiration in old articles on the terrors of youth (from as early as 8th century BC), read through a variety of poetry, and of course human experiences. Once the writing was in the room we just threw open the to any and all suggestions and options. There was a lot of experimenting, changing words and sentences, creating space for growth and ideas and not being shut off the possibilities. It was great to work be able to work as an ensemble from the start

Iley Jones and Cheng Tang in rehearsal. image credit Amelia Gilday

Tell us your origin story. How did your company/show/collaboration start?

Long story short… I met Moontan Productions a few years ago, they produced my second play Two Quarters Full. It was an amazing, supportive experience and once Covid hit, we began talking again, wanting to create something new in a time where everything seemed frozen. Once we started talking the idea grew and grew and soon we were workshopping and actually doing it.

Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?

People who love the human experience, who love diving into human relationships and seeing the rawness and unexpectedness peek through.

Good Talk takes place as part of Anywhere Festival on May 7 at Elements Collective and May 8-9 at Arcana.