Monsters. There’s something irresistible about them.
Monster, as it was first understood and imagined, is defined by difference and unknowability. When there is an epistemic overload through digital worlds, it leaves the overwhelming impression that nothing is unknowable. For anyone wanting to explore flesh, to whom a screen is perceived oracle, what could be more confusing than a seemingly infinite amount of alarming, exciting, disturbing and conflicting content? Where medieval monsters served as divine harbingers, modern monsters might just be symbols of the excessive. Still, there is use in understanding this. What is it, in its extreme, that turns you on? Where do the grotesque and erotic collide for you, and what does that mean for your bedroom (or wherever you fuck)?
Monsters are free to express themselves, even gender themselves, however they like. Transformation, destruction, decoration are our only ways into places that are givens for Monsters. A monster is not ashamed in response to our fear and disgust. It thrills them in some cases. When young people are shamed for being interested in sex, or ignored as sexual beings, monstrous things can occur.
Terrifying but beckoning, Monster moves something in our psyches and bodies. Puberty, much like other sexual processes, is a shedding, grotesque, clawed process. Perhaps, even if Monster is no longer the unknowable, it might serve as a vehicle for young people to explore what is – as yet – unknown to them?
Or Monster porn might just be really, really hot. TBD.
Flick
LA MAMA PRESENTS GAG REFLEX
7-23 May 2026
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Flick wrote SLUTNIK™, SLUTNIK™ 2: Planet of the Incels, mutual obligations and GAG REFLEX for the stage. Other writing is published by HNDL Magazine, Humana Obscura, Osborne and Fawkner Publishing, CREATurE Magazine, Vellichor Literary, and YDAS. Recently a writer in residence with Darebin Arts, La Mama and the City of Melbourne; a member of the Australia Plays Transform National Playwriting Group; and a Cybec Electric writer with Melbourne Theatre Company.
Graduated Victorian College of the Arts with a Master of Theatre (Dramaturgy). Soon to graduate from the University of Melbourne with a Master of Creative Writing, Editing & Publishing.
Recovering workaholic trying rest, ponder, and (un/re)learn theological theory & practice, mathematics and emotions. A proud union member.