A series of monologues formed the basis for 'Ammunition', a show now on at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts.

The group TROIKA is behind the performance, which looks at the word 'ammunition' and all its many applications.

"Ammunition was the perfect name for this show," said TROIKA director Seldon Woolridge.

"When visualising what ammunition is, one is automatically drawn to negative images of weapons. Well, we are not giving credence to the word.

"Rather, we are taking the meaning back and making it something positive and powerful. The players have identified what their ammunition is anything from love to hope."

Said Nishanthi Bailey, who founded the organisation with Mr. Woolridge and Shoa Bean: "The name 'ammunition' actually came about as we were thinking about a whole host of titles and just jotting down ideas that related to our theme of addressing violence.

"Some names were phrases and others were just one word. We knew that we wanted the title to be powerful, as a representation of the piece, so when the word 'ammunition' came about it kind of made you say 'hmmm'.

"From there we looked up the actual meaning of the word and the definitions were parallel to what our overall mission with this piece is. Ammunition in itself is just a powerful word. When you hear it, it feels strong and because of the underlying meaning of the word we are able to change it, as we most commonly know it. So it has a two-fold meaning."

The show began last night. It has a cast of 14. Referred to as players, they are all between the ages of 13 and 19 years old.

The name ammunition was also in accordance with TROIKA's motto 'keeping the drama onstage', Miss Bailey said.

"There was a definite influence from our motto. How we look at 'keeping the drama onstage' is also two-fold, meaning that all the issues and drama that goes on everyday shouldn't be a negative aspect of life. [Instead we should consider that we could] let it entertain us instead. And where to? On the stage!"

Added Mr. Woolridge: "The title of the piece fits well within the content of the performance."

Unlike many performances in which cast members are handed a script, the TROIKA players had to write a series of monologues.

"There is a wide variety of monologues, both long and short," explained Miss Bailey.

"Each player delivers some sort of a monologue in the production at least once, which is important because each player has their own view and opinion on certain topics."

The group worked together to create the monologues, Mr. Woolridge explained.

"The process of formulating the monologues was a collaborative effort. Each of the cast members wrote several monologues on the topics discussed in the piece.

"Once they had completed a draft, each player performed and presented what they had written. As a collective we provided feedback on each submission and made any necessary adjustments to ensure it fit within the lines of the play."

He continued: "The players have truly enjoyed this experience. For some this is their first time working on a project of this magnitude.

"It has been a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but the cast members are really committed to being that change in the community so this production and experience has been so important to them.

"We, as the directors, have noticed and appreciated the growth of each cast member from the time they walked into auditions. Some of them are now leading and eventually will be able to direct."

Added Miss Bailey: "The selection process for choosing their monologues was actually pretty easy for the in-depth pieces.

"There have also been cases where someone wrote a particular monologue, but another player is actually performing it to make it work for the entire piece."

The players have gained an appreciation of the process along the way, said Miss Bailey.

"The special thing about this piece is that it is their voices and ideas.

"So it's not been about just taking a script and acting out someone else's idea. They are performing their words, which makes it that much more significant to them.

"It was definitely rigorous for some of them as they all had to step outside of their boxes. They are all writers, dancers, singers, and actors in this production and for some of them it's the first time having to move in front of an audience or even speak in front of a large group of people.

"So they have grown not only as performers, but most of them have also developed a higher level of confidence. We have stretched them and taken them outside of their comfort zone to try something different and new and they have been up to and welcomed the challenge. I think that they are proud of what they have accomplished."

Mr. Woolridge added: "This is the moment they have been waiting for. The cast is so talented and versatile, they will be sure to entertain the audience.

"The content of the production will very much enlighten and inspire many. We are encouraging the community to come out and support something positive."

Part proceeds of 'Ammunition' will go towards the Physical Abuse Centre.

l General admission is $25. Patron tickets are $50. Tickets are available from www.bdatix.com, by calling 517-1718 or sending an e-mail, troikabda@gmail.com. The show runs through September 5. Curtain time is 8 p.m.