Young Melbourne writer Jean Tong explores the humanity that emerges from the workplace’s inhumanity in their new play directed by Katy Maudlin.

Do Not Pass Go sees Penny and newcomer Flux working in isolation on seemingly pointless tasks, such as cutting ribbons, collating coloured paper, even pumping up an inflatable only to let the air out again and pack it away. It’s all pointless, yet they are under pressure, as more and more boxed tasks silently emerge from a chute.

Belinda McClory and Ella Prince in Do Not Pass Go. Photo © Pia Johnson

Penny is very efficient and dedicated. Flux takes time to master the tasks, and is just working to live. In fact they’re working to pay for gender-affirming surgery, as they reveal to the initially conversation-averse Penny.

In an intense, soulless work environment that as the play’s Monopoly-inspired name suggests is akin to jail, they increasingly share insights about themselves, and become more like each other.

The finely calibrated, sensitive duet of Belinda McClory (Penny) and Ella Prince (Flux) brings the script’s moments of wry humour, connection, disconnection and anxiety to life.

In MTC’s intimate secondary theatre, the Lawler, their glances,...