And so, the playwright, after many (many) re-writes of her play, ponders the next move assisted by the play characters who have a big invested interest in her decision.
SCENE: Writing desk with computer set-up. Large coffee mug nearby
AT RISE: Playwright sits in front of computer staring at screen, evaluating if/and or what changes are required to play
PLAYWRIGHT
I dunno. Somehow, something doesn't feel right... Maybe I should just delete this play altogether
FEMALE CHARACTER 1
Say what? You've been re-working this play for how many years and now you want to erase all traces of us as if we never existed? What did we ever do to you?
PLAYWRIGHT
That's the thing. You haven't done anything to me or for me
FEMALE CHARACTER 1
And that's our fault? Let's not forget who created us in the first place
MALE CHARACTER
May I interject?
FEMALE CHARACTER 1
It's never stopped you before. Go for it
MALE CHARACTER
Seems to me that she hasn't really created a viable outline, which could offer a direction to follow. We all need guidance, a path that will lead us to enlightenment
FEMALE CHARACTER 1
Oh do tell. And what, if anything, have you contributed in helping her along, other than your bon mots and trite writing quotations
MALE CHARACTER
Officially, I don't exist having been eliminated in the last edit but hope springs eternal that I shall be resurrected in a future story line. After all, I am the only male character and the romantic lead
FEMALE CHARACTER 1
Don't be so sure. Given the amount of times the story line has changed, you could just as easily be converted into a female role
MALE CHARACTER
Actually...thinking back...two months ago I assumed the role of Prince
FEMALE CHARACTER
A prince? I don't remember any plot involving royal characters
MALE CHARACTER
Nothing so regal. Prince was a blood hound in her attempt at writing a dinner murder mystery...
PLAYWRIGHT
...which ended up going nowhere. Maybe this just isn't going to work. Maybe...I should forget about this play, altogether.
FEMALE CHARACTER
Don't be so quick to give up!
FEMALE CHARACTER 2
Absolutely! You're on to something! This re-write will be the one. Hang in there
PLAYWRIGHT
It seems that I'm in a constant state of re-writes. Sometimes you have to see the writing on the wall and call it a day
MALE CHARACTER
Have you sent out the latest version of the play to theatres?
PLAYWRIGHT
Yup. Never heard back, as usual. It's getting to the point where I'm questioning whether I have any ability in writing plays. Perhaps it's just hopeful dreaming. Why go on in the face of reality that the odds of my play being produced are probably a gazillion to one, given the number of playwrights who are doing the exact same thing
FEMALE CHARACTER 1
Don't forget that one of your plays did have a reading. That means something
PLAYWRIGHT
But it's still not the same as a full production in a theatre with an audience.
MALE CHARACTER
You're not serious about - you know - that ominous delete button...it was merely a momentary feeling of weakness. Right? You wouldn't do that to us.
FEMALE CHARACTER 1
We're here for you! Hang in there! Our future depends on it, in the true sense of the word
PLAYWRIGHT
Could I abandon you all after all these years, members of my literary family?
MALE CHARACTER
Far be it for me to ask a favor at this point but would you, perhaps, consider re--writing the Prince character? I mean, if it's possible. Barks, growls and tail wagging aren't among my best traits.
PLAYWRIGHT
Thing is...this play really has possibilities. It has all the essential elements that make it entertaining. Maybe a few changes and edits here and there before sending it out to make its way in the theatre world. Right?
ALL PLAY CHARACTERS:
We're with you all the way, girl!
PLAYWRIGHT
Maybe just this one more theatre...or two...three at the most
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Monday, December 21, 2015
Decisions...decisions...and hope for a brighter future
Once again as has been the case on too many occasions, a rejection slip slipped in my email 'in' box. Somehow, in spite of nice, genteel words of apology by the theatre or whoever is in charge of the rejection notices, it doesn't get easier.
Really, given my former position as a freelance newspaper columnist/writer for many years, rejection slips aren't an unusual occurrence, but receiving playwriting-related rejections is a downer.
This time the recipient of the rebuff was one of my favorite short plays, "The Lemon." A short comedy, it focuses on the trials and tribulations of a woman attempting to contact a towing company in order to get her car removed, while trying to convince a public phone user to make the call. In spite of the usual assurances that the theatre will keep the play for possible future use, it was a disheartening notice. Dejection, as any writer will attest, never gets easier.
Looking back, none of my plays have yet to be produced in spite of witty dialogue, interesting plots and good spelling and punctuation. Look - gotta look for positive points where I can find them! Had high hopes for "The Shrubs", which didn't materialize and my short plays came back home without a successful showing.
Today while skimming through potential submission opportunities, came across a notification that the deadline for the BBC International Radio Playwriting Competition is coming up at the end of January 2016. In the past on two occasions, attempts to convert a play and a short story into radio format met with rejection. I'm toying with the idea - that's as far as it's progressed - of trying to convert "The Lemon" into a radio play. Given the fast approaching deadline, starting a new play isn't practical and it would be a personal challenge to see what can be accomplished in a month. Who knows...
Meanwhile, old soldier Joe McKenna and his vet pals are still meeting at the neighborhood bar, waiting for a new direction from the playwright. This play keeps calling me back in spite of self-declarations to let it die in peace. But it won't. There is something about the characters and the story line that is compelling and begging to be told.
"We ain't gettin' any younger," they all keep reminding me.
Neither are any of us, guys. Neither are any of us...
Really, given my former position as a freelance newspaper columnist/writer for many years, rejection slips aren't an unusual occurrence, but receiving playwriting-related rejections is a downer.
This time the recipient of the rebuff was one of my favorite short plays, "The Lemon." A short comedy, it focuses on the trials and tribulations of a woman attempting to contact a towing company in order to get her car removed, while trying to convince a public phone user to make the call. In spite of the usual assurances that the theatre will keep the play for possible future use, it was a disheartening notice. Dejection, as any writer will attest, never gets easier.
Looking back, none of my plays have yet to be produced in spite of witty dialogue, interesting plots and good spelling and punctuation. Look - gotta look for positive points where I can find them! Had high hopes for "The Shrubs", which didn't materialize and my short plays came back home without a successful showing.
Today while skimming through potential submission opportunities, came across a notification that the deadline for the BBC International Radio Playwriting Competition is coming up at the end of January 2016. In the past on two occasions, attempts to convert a play and a short story into radio format met with rejection. I'm toying with the idea - that's as far as it's progressed - of trying to convert "The Lemon" into a radio play. Given the fast approaching deadline, starting a new play isn't practical and it would be a personal challenge to see what can be accomplished in a month. Who knows...
Meanwhile, old soldier Joe McKenna and his vet pals are still meeting at the neighborhood bar, waiting for a new direction from the playwright. This play keeps calling me back in spite of self-declarations to let it die in peace. But it won't. There is something about the characters and the story line that is compelling and begging to be told.
"We ain't gettin' any younger," they all keep reminding me.
Neither are any of us, guys. Neither are any of us...
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Playwright's ruminations - the fix is in
Sitting down in front of the computer, chin in hand and thinking about playwriting. Again. Note the word, "thinking" but not the actual act of taking fingers to keyboard and producing some worthwhile dialogue. Still further delayed the process by going over finished plays and assessing whether they need fixing or editing, something I'm prone to do in both my writing and painting. Frequently, the end result is ruining any progress on whatever project I'm "fixing."
I'm an inordinate "fixer" of all my artistic undertakings, which really don't require further adjusting. Recently, I applied what I swore were the absolute final strokes to a black and white painting first started three years ago, which has been "fixed" over the years. Perhaps this will be the reality and then again, who knows.
In as far as my plays are concerned, some have been altered to the point where all objectivity has been lost as to the strongest version. Most often, the changes are relegated to small dialogue adjustments or altering what appears to me to be a weak a scene. In the end, a decision has to be made which version is the best version to submit, followed by a period of self-doubt and whether my plays are actually produce-able. Perhaps this is a common pattern with writers in general in that the selection of the right words is paramount to the whole story line. In as far as dialogue is concerned, the character has to utter words and phrases that suit her/his mannerisms, personality and mien and therein lies the challenge.
Although the actual act of submitting plays is a positive move, there is also the self-doubt that creeps in waiting for updates on their fate. Negative thoughts like:
- perhaps the wrong version was sent - whatever that is
- maybe I don't have what it takes to be a "real" playwright
- given the volume of experienced and produced playwrights, many of whom are familiar names to
the public and within the theatre community, do my literary gems stand a chance?
And so the uncertainty continues but something drives me to persevere. The possibility, whatever the odds that there is a theatre "out there" somewhere that will see something special in my plays is enough to keep me going and press on. Meanwhile, some fine tuning of the dialogue and changes to the story arc is required to Dead Writes. Really.
P.S.: Just read that Larry David's new play, "Fish In the Dark" has broken another box office record during its third week of previews at the Cort Theatre It should only happen to me but first one of my plays has to be produced! Be that as it may... Mazel-tov, Larry...or Mr. David. Good to note that good comedy will always draw a crowd. FISH IN THE DARK, which also stars Rita Wilson, Rosie Perez, Jayne Houdyshell, Ben Shenkman and Lewis J. Stadlen, heading a cast of 18, is running for an 18-week limited engagement through Sunday, June 7. Opening night is Thursday, March 5.
Wanna see it...wanna see it...
I'm an inordinate "fixer" of all my artistic undertakings, which really don't require further adjusting. Recently, I applied what I swore were the absolute final strokes to a black and white painting first started three years ago, which has been "fixed" over the years. Perhaps this will be the reality and then again, who knows.
In as far as my plays are concerned, some have been altered to the point where all objectivity has been lost as to the strongest version. Most often, the changes are relegated to small dialogue adjustments or altering what appears to me to be a weak a scene. In the end, a decision has to be made which version is the best version to submit, followed by a period of self-doubt and whether my plays are actually produce-able. Perhaps this is a common pattern with writers in general in that the selection of the right words is paramount to the whole story line. In as far as dialogue is concerned, the character has to utter words and phrases that suit her/his mannerisms, personality and mien and therein lies the challenge.
Although the actual act of submitting plays is a positive move, there is also the self-doubt that creeps in waiting for updates on their fate. Negative thoughts like:
- perhaps the wrong version was sent - whatever that is
- maybe I don't have what it takes to be a "real" playwright
- given the volume of experienced and produced playwrights, many of whom are familiar names to
the public and within the theatre community, do my literary gems stand a chance?
And so the uncertainty continues but something drives me to persevere. The possibility, whatever the odds that there is a theatre "out there" somewhere that will see something special in my plays is enough to keep me going and press on. Meanwhile, some fine tuning of the dialogue and changes to the story arc is required to Dead Writes. Really.
P.S.: Just read that Larry David's new play, "Fish In the Dark" has broken another box office record during its third week of previews at the Cort Theatre It should only happen to me but first one of my plays has to be produced! Be that as it may... Mazel-tov, Larry...or Mr. David. Good to note that good comedy will always draw a crowd. FISH IN THE DARK, which also stars Rita Wilson, Rosie Perez, Jayne Houdyshell, Ben Shenkman and Lewis J. Stadlen, heading a cast of 18, is running for an 18-week limited engagement through Sunday, June 7. Opening night is Thursday, March 5.
Wanna see it...wanna see it...
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Four People and a Playwright Looking for a Decent Play
This was a time-waster while developing characters in my play, "Gin..." As the playwright plodded along adding and deleting dialogue, the characters of the play began to show signs of rebellion - at least they thought it was rebellion since they weren't exactly sure what a rebellion was. It's a longer piece but an enjoyable light one. It's cut and pasted from Word so ignore the formatting.
By Eleanor Tylbor
AT RISE:
Four women are seated on
fold-up chairs around a card table, absorbed in adjusting the playing cards in
their hands. Bowls of popcorn and soft drink cans litter the surface of the
table. On the other side of the stage the playwright (JULIE) is sitting at a
computer desk, arms bent at elbows, staring out into space. She works the
keyboard as the characters recite their lines
BRENDA
In case anyone cares, something is about to
happen…very soon now…could even be momentarily…I can feel it…
Lays cards down on the table and thrusts
remaining card in the
air for all to see
(Cont’d.) Victory is at hand – or in
my hand, in this case! Oh I’m a winner all right!
CHARLENE
Shoving a hand full of popcorn in her mouth
BRENDA
Didn't your momma teach you it's not nice to eat and talk? Then again
for some people, a full mouth is part of a lifestyle. Isn't that right Mitzi, honey?
MITZI
Jealousy will get you nowhere, sweetie.
At least I'm not a dried up where it counts!
BRENDA
Touchy! I was merely commenting to Charlene that well-bred people don't
speak with their mouths full! But then being that you’re a multi-tasker…I mean
handling more than one person at a time…
MITZI
Breeding comes naturally in your family, doesn't it? Did they forget to
give you your cube of sugar today? Clop your hoof once for yes and two for no
CHLOE
(to
herself)
Bicker, bicker…bicker, … It would be nice to have a quiet game of cards
for a change without throwing verbal knives at each other
CHARLENE
I think I'm close to calling Gin…
BRENDA
I would stay out of this if I were you, Chloe. Is your brother eligible
for parole, yet?
I'm gonna start calling you Bossy, along with the other "b"
word that rhymes with itch, and usually associated with a female dog! I try to
be nice to you and what do I get in return?
CHLOE
stares into space for approx. 10 seconds in silence
What do I get in return? Does anybody know?
CHARLENE
Do we guess?
CHLOE
I don’t think so. My mind is a complete blank. Is that normal?
Pause of 10 seconds
while they all stare out into space
CHARLENE
I’m waiting
BRENDA
Me too. What are we waiting for?
MITZI
Some words and sentences I think
BRENDA
(puzzled)
Don't blame me for
what comes out of my mouth. I just say the words. I don't create them. By the
way, Chloe, what's your brother in for this time? Armed robbery or is it
murder? I didn't mean to say that…or maybe I did…I’m not sure
MITZI
I really don't know why but I feel compelled to tell you…
Stands up and leans
over the table towards BRENDA
BRENDA
(standing
up)
What? Anybody?
MITZI
Why am I standing? I mean, what's my motivation?
Could somebody tell me, please?
CHLOE
So sit down if you’re not sure. My philosophy is
when in doubt – don’t
MITZI
Don’t what?
CHLOE
Um - I dunno. Take my word for it and just don’t.
That’s all
CHARLENE
(excitedly)
Gin! What’s supposed to happen, now?
BRENDA
I’m not sure but I think something important is gonna happen. I can
feel it in my bones. Does anybody have any ideas?
MITZI
Well…for starters, we’re all holding these hard pieces of paper in our
hands
CHLOE
I wonder if that’s significant. What do yours look like, Brenda?
BRENDA
Let’s see… White background with red and black thingies…
MITZI
Thingies?
BRENDA
I dunno what you call them but they’re pretty, though. And there are
numbers in the corners
CHLOE
Same here! Go figure!
MITZI AND CHARLENE TOGETHER
Ours too!
Okay. We’re making progress here. Hey! These are playing cards
You think?
I know for a fact! Those words just popped into my head!
CHARLENE
So you say. You could’a just make them up on the spur of the moment to
impress us
BRENDA
Have you ever heard me use them before?
CHLOE
I never heard them in my entire life and that’s the truth
BRENDA
Then you’re all just gonna hav’ta take my word for it! These things are
called playing cards
MITZI
Let’s say you’re right. What about them?
BRENDA
I dunno…What comes next?
CHARLENE
Y’know - I’ve been wondering if I should be eating popcorn or maybe
change it for something else like, candy for example or ice cream
MITZI
All you think
about is food, food, food! There are more important things in life
BRENDA
Really? Like?
MITZI
Well…there just
are. I feel it
CHLOE
Sometimes, I get the feeling like I'm a puppet on a string or
something, bowing to someone's wishes. Do any of you ever get that feeling?
CHARLENE
I said, ‘Gin’! Hello? I'll try again. Gin… Gin… Gin!
ALL TOGETHER
So?
CHARLENE
Darned if I know. We show up every day and twice on weekends holding
these playing cards in our hands. Why I keep asking myself. Why am I here? Why
are we all here? Sometimes I yell out, “Gin!”
out loud but nobody answers. Shouldn’t somebody answer me? I’ve been screaming
that word for the last six months. Always the same words and lines and then I
call out, "Gin!"
Stares out in space
and babbles to an invisible person
BRENDA
Who are you talking to?
CHARLENE
I really can’t say. Suddenly a bunch of words came
tumbling out of my mouth for no reason. It's not the first time this has
happened
BRENDA
Ask Mitzi. She knows all about objects in mouths
MITZI
I'm so sick of your sexual innuendoes, Brenda
Why do you react that way whenever the word “mouth” is mentioned?
MITZI
It’s not that I want to but I feel I have to. It’s as if I don’t have
any choice in the matter
MITZI stands up with
hands on hips, leans forward until her face is directly in front of Brenda
BRENDA
Yes?
MITZI
And…um…something else…
Moves away from table, hops up and down and starts
shadow
boxing, fists waving in the air
(Cont’d.) I took a self-defense course! My hands are lethal weapons!
Cuts the air with side of hand
CHLOE
And that means…?
MITZI
You are so not with it. It means…it means…
BRENDA
Oh pllleeze! She doesn’t know
BRENDA
Let's settle this once and for all! C'mon – right
here and now
MITZI
Fine with me…what are we supposed to do next?
BRENDA
Just… keep hitting the air and dancing around I suppose
BRENDA and MITZI spar,
fists jabbing the empty air
CHLOE
Stands up and places her purse strap over
her shoulder
That's it! Nobody seems to care that I have yelled “Gin!”…whatever that
means, but I'm sure it's important. I
don't know about you all but I'm leaving! Anybody else gonna follow me?
Hello?
You up there? Could you stop staring at that screen for a minute? This isn't
working for me at all. I'm sick-and-and tired of being a slut with a one-track
mind. This play of yours is a bunch of words with no plot or direction and it
breaks every playwriting rule in the book. Where's the protagonist and
antagonist?
CHARLENE
What are you complaining
about? My character is insecure, indecisive and naive, and those are her strong
qualities. How'd you like to have those?
I'm smart, you know! I am very smart… I think
BRENDA
Off the top of my head, I would guess that part of your problem is that
you're a minor character, while mine plays a major role and more attention is
required to develop Brenda, properly
CHARLENE
See what I mean? How come I can't be the smart one for a change?
CHLOE
With all due respect Charlene, honey, I don't think you have the
emotional range to assume an analytical role of deep thinker, like we do. Right
ladies?
CHLOE and BRENDA together: ‘I dunno’
CHARLENE
It's just not fair! Every day I hav'ta play the part of a simple minded
female when in reality, I got it up here (points
to her head) I think this is what makes the words come out
CHLOE
You see, Charlene, sweetie, my background lends itself to being a
character with class…one of the rich, beautiful people, while you – well dear -
let's just say that you have interesting words in your sentences
CHARLENE
I'm as good as anyone here! You're all forgetting that we are the sum
total of the playwright's vision. Hey – I can talk smart too! Why can't we take
turns being each other?
MITZI
Let's not forget here that our origins are a computer memory chip. The
only rich and famous person we're connected to is Bill Gates. I say…we walk.
Are you with me, ladies?
VOICE OF PLAYWRIGHT (JULIE)
Is there a problem?
BRENDA
Hands on hips, facing direction of
playwright
We got your attention, huh? We've had it with these crappy lines! We're
bored of being portrayed as vacuous women with blank minds. We're people too!
We have feelings and we hurt and…
JULIE
May I remind you that you're nothing more than a bunch of words strung
together to make a sentence? I make you who and what you are and I can
eliminate you all with a push of my forefinger and a delete button. You're only
communicating with me now because I'm exploring dialogue choices. You're all a
figment of my imagination
CHARLENE
No need for threats, here, dear. There's only so much that characters
can take and we've reached the end of the line, so to speak. Do you like that,
ladies? End-of-the-line?
CHLOE
Trés wit-ty, my dear
JULIE
What should I say? I've re-written and re-written you all at least two
dozen times and no matter what I do, the dialogue sounds… wooden. And don't
even ask about the plot, or lack of one, thereof
BRENDA
That's because you really don't really believe in us, do you? Deep down
inside you're toying with the idea of deleting the text and starting a whole
new play that will move in a new direction. Do you know what it's like living
under that threat? I'll tell you – it's very disturbing
PLAYWRIGHT JULIE
Did I write that? I don't remember writing those words…
CHLOE
Now there's a perfect example of what I'm talking about! We never know
where you're gonna take us next, right ladies? It's like…there's giant hands
hanging over the stage dangling precariously, ready to strike at a moments
notice. It's the uncertainty of the
delete button that gets us down!
MITZI
For example, why do you always make me as an over-sexed whore? Maybe it
would be good to be an upright female for a change. Not necessarily a nun or anything but an
intelligent woman who has a direction and purpose in life. Not somebody who
dresses in clothes three sizes too tight. Let Charlene assume that part for
once. Wouldn't you like that, dear?
CHARLENE
I'll pass but I know where she's coming from! In spite of all your
attempts at re-writes, you still make me out like an empty-headed - duh! I want
to be respected like the rest of them, except Mitzi…no insult intended…
MITZI
None taken, dear. I'm used to it by now
PLAYWRIGHT JULIE
I never realized you all felt this way
BRENDA
Have
you ever taken the time to really think about it? Of course not! We're mere
computer bytes that can easily fade off the screen into oblivion, right? Not!
We're an integral part of your imagination and without us, you have nothing
PLAYWRIGHT JULIE
But…you don't exist, other than the lives and personalities I give you!
CHLOE
Is it asking a lot for a few changes? A little respect? Some nice words
and phrases? I don't think so! C'mon ladies, we're walking!
PLAYWRIGHT JULIE
You can't leave…
BRENDA
Watch us!
They attempt to move but stay as they are
JULIE
Have you characters not realized yet that every word coming out of your
mouths, every physical movement that you all make is being written even as we
speak? By me! The playwright! Without me, you’re nothing!
CHLOE
So now it’s threats, is it? We're merely asking for are some small
changes, a few adjustments and maybe a new story line? You've been writing this
play for how long now? Maybe two years? More?
JULIE
Is it my fault it needs lots of editing?
BRENDA
There comes a time when you have to stop playing
with words and either produce it or let it die a peaceful death
CHLOE
I'm sure we can all come to some kind of an
agreement that would be mutually beneficial to all concerned
MITZI
Do me a favor and make her speak like normal
people?
JULIE
What about me, huh? Does anyone care about my
feelings? You can't imagine what it's like to stare at a white screen, day
after day, write a couple of sentences, read them over and then realize it's
garbage! Inane, stupid, drivel! Then you wonder if you've still got it or maybe
you never had it! Maybe give up the idea of playwriting altogether
CHARLENE
That would be so sad, 'specially being that you're so passionate about
it!
MITZI
Don't fall for her sob story, Charlene. Let's get
down to our demands. I wanna be somebody else. Gimme some interesting
qualities. Lines that make me appear strong with a direction in life…and make
me memorable
CHARLENE
…and I want more lines. How is it that everyone
else gets major scenes and I'm limited to a few quips and comments? That's not
balanced writing. I also want more emotional range, so that I can make the
audience feel. Could you write me like that?
MITZI
Know what? For a change maybe it would be nice to
have maternal qualities. I want to experience what it's like to be loved –
really loved - by a husband and children. I'd really like that…
PLAYWRIGHT
Tell you what. You all furnish the inspiration and
I'll supply the story line. That way we all win
CHLOE
Will we get credit as co-writers? I mean, after all, we do contribute
something to the play
PLAYWRIGHT
Keying
computer keys
Suddenly, everyone's a playwright! Okay - act one, scene one…
Curtain
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Another day, another play
As the title of the blog indicates, another day...another play almost finished. In playwriting 'almost' is a tricky term since endings are usually hard to come by.
"So give us an update on your playwriting efforts in general these days, Eleanor."
As mentioned ad nauseum here, finished "Old Soldiers" and entered it in this year's edition of the BBC International Playwriting Competition. Now comes the really hard part in waiting to hear back one way or the other. Being in this mental and physical state of being means a slight case of nausea when opening my e-mail in anticipation of receiving "the" word. Suffice it to say that waiting is not half the fun.
I'm "that" close to finishing my latest project, "Neighbors", which is turning into a great two-act play. As my mom used to say, "close" is only good when playing horse shoes. It had its origins as a short play and over the years as is my habit, it has been tweaked to death and sort-of atrophied in my filing (or none-filing) system. Recently, after reading it over for the zillionth time, I decided that it has the meat and bones (can a play have meat and bones one wonders...) for expansion. The story line, which is loosely based on facts, focuses on a row of shrubs that separate the back gardens of two neighbors, one of which believes that their placement encroaches on to his property. The end result is that it has caused a feud that has lingered and grown over the years. The dialogue is entertaining and the story is moving along to a natural conclusion, following which it will be put to bed for a while and re-read at a later date for changes. There are always changes in my world.
Interesting how the creative process works. As an artist in addition to being a writer, it seems that my best work is done at the cost of the other. To be more precise, when I'm in the midst of creating a new writing piece, my artistic output tapers off and vice-versa.
Meanwhile, I'm thinking about but not yet in the writing mode of my next play focusing on a young girl's experiences growing up after moving into a new neighborhood.. Not sure whether it will be a one act or full play but then I never know how it will work until consulting with the characters. Meanwhile, my blank canvases are calling me.
"So give us an update on your playwriting efforts in general these days, Eleanor."
As mentioned ad nauseum here, finished "Old Soldiers" and entered it in this year's edition of the BBC International Playwriting Competition. Now comes the really hard part in waiting to hear back one way or the other. Being in this mental and physical state of being means a slight case of nausea when opening my e-mail in anticipation of receiving "the" word. Suffice it to say that waiting is not half the fun.
I'm "that" close to finishing my latest project, "Neighbors", which is turning into a great two-act play. As my mom used to say, "close" is only good when playing horse shoes. It had its origins as a short play and over the years as is my habit, it has been tweaked to death and sort-of atrophied in my filing (or none-filing) system. Recently, after reading it over for the zillionth time, I decided that it has the meat and bones (can a play have meat and bones one wonders...) for expansion. The story line, which is loosely based on facts, focuses on a row of shrubs that separate the back gardens of two neighbors, one of which believes that their placement encroaches on to his property. The end result is that it has caused a feud that has lingered and grown over the years. The dialogue is entertaining and the story is moving along to a natural conclusion, following which it will be put to bed for a while and re-read at a later date for changes. There are always changes in my world.
Interesting how the creative process works. As an artist in addition to being a writer, it seems that my best work is done at the cost of the other. To be more precise, when I'm in the midst of creating a new writing piece, my artistic output tapers off and vice-versa.
Meanwhile, I'm thinking about but not yet in the writing mode of my next play focusing on a young girl's experiences growing up after moving into a new neighborhood.. Not sure whether it will be a one act or full play but then I never know how it will work until consulting with the characters. Meanwhile, my blank canvases are calling me.
Monday, December 02, 2013
Upon writing plays
After finally letting go of "Retribution" and "Old Soldiers" to share with the world - one hopes - it's time to think about developing new plays. Even writing the words, "new plays" gives me an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach knowing that merely developing the basic structure of a new play and getting into the brain of new characters takes time. Be that as it may, toying with the idea of creating a play based on my childhood characters. These are people encountered along the way of growing up that remain vivid in my memory, who left a lasting impact on my life in some way. The first step is to decide the direction the story line will take and how to tell the story. Will share progress as things develop.
In other areas, I'm also looking for potential fits for my two full plays. It's been a while since I've focused on finding the right theatre that sees merit in them. Both are comedies but with dramatic overtones as is my "thing." Spent a lot of time this weekend checking out theatre sites to assess which would or could be interested.
There's progress in other areas having at least submitted my short i.e. less than 20 minute, plays to various short play festivals. Haven't heard back one way or the other, which is always unsettling for me. I'm really focusing on having patience and letting things take their natural course. It's always that "just tell me one way or the other!" feeling that impels me to send off something to the effect:
Dear blah-blah,
Sent you my play, blah-blah, a few days/week/months ago. Not sure if you received it since my e-mail system sometimes, somehow, someway, occasionally loses e-mail messages in transit. In this regard, did you receive it? If so, when do you anticipate reading it? Really - it's good. I'm sure audiences will love the story and it only took one/two/three...more years to write.
So if you could check through your files and get back to me, I'd be most appreciative. If not - I can wait.
Meanwhile, there are a number of un-finished and/or un-developed plays that have been languishing in never-never-land, waiting to be developed. Everyone deserves a second /third/fourth...chance to be born, even plays.
Update: Just received an e-mail notification that my 10-minute play-ette to the Snowdance 10-minute Comedy Festival was rejected (again) and didn't make the grade, obviously. Actually, perhaps in retrospect, the writing was on the proverbial wall since they specified that entries be mailed in. In order to cutback on mailing expenses, I e-mailed the contact person and asked if they also accepted entries by e-mail, and he indicated I should send it anyway, which I did. I mean, there can be no other reason why it was rejected being that it was well-written, funny-bordering-on-hilarious and other similar adjectives that adequately describe my entry.
The official refusal read (in part): "I'm sorry to inform you that your entry was not one of the 9 chosen for production. Please accept my sincere appreciation for your time and effort. With so much good material to choose from no entry should feel disappointment or rejection - I wish we had the ability to produce them all." Uh-huh...yup... Oh well...we go on...
In other areas, I'm also looking for potential fits for my two full plays. It's been a while since I've focused on finding the right theatre that sees merit in them. Both are comedies but with dramatic overtones as is my "thing." Spent a lot of time this weekend checking out theatre sites to assess which would or could be interested.
There's progress in other areas having at least submitted my short i.e. less than 20 minute, plays to various short play festivals. Haven't heard back one way or the other, which is always unsettling for me. I'm really focusing on having patience and letting things take their natural course. It's always that "just tell me one way or the other!" feeling that impels me to send off something to the effect:
Dear blah-blah,
Sent you my play, blah-blah, a few days/week/months ago. Not sure if you received it since my e-mail system sometimes, somehow, someway, occasionally loses e-mail messages in transit. In this regard, did you receive it? If so, when do you anticipate reading it? Really - it's good. I'm sure audiences will love the story and it only took one/two/three...more years to write.
So if you could check through your files and get back to me, I'd be most appreciative. If not - I can wait.
Meanwhile, there are a number of un-finished and/or un-developed plays that have been languishing in never-never-land, waiting to be developed. Everyone deserves a second /third/fourth...chance to be born, even plays.
Update: Just received an e-mail notification that my 10-minute play-ette to the Snowdance 10-minute Comedy Festival was rejected (again) and didn't make the grade, obviously. Actually, perhaps in retrospect, the writing was on the proverbial wall since they specified that entries be mailed in. In order to cutback on mailing expenses, I e-mailed the contact person and asked if they also accepted entries by e-mail, and he indicated I should send it anyway, which I did. I mean, there can be no other reason why it was rejected being that it was well-written, funny-bordering-on-hilarious and other similar adjectives that adequately describe my entry.
The official refusal read (in part): "I'm sorry to inform you that your entry was not one of the 9 chosen for production. Please accept my sincere appreciation for your time and effort. With so much good material to choose from no entry should feel disappointment or rejection - I wish we had the ability to produce them all." Uh-huh...yup... Oh well...we go on...
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The plan is sketch-y
"So, Eleanor - what have you been up to lately? Started any new plays, one hopes?"
Regretfully, no, but I did finish my final re-write of "A Thief on the Beach" and am satisfied with the end result.
"But Eleanor - that's not a play! It's a story! It's time you started on a new play or at least finish those that are languishing in cyber never-never land and waiting for an ending!"
True.. but my philosophy (major cop-out) is that a literary completion is a completion is... In as far as a new play(s) project is concerned, haven't come up with a burning idea or concept that moves me enough to explore.
"How about the one-act play that you submitted recently?"
Still waiting to hear back as to its fate, if at all. Hope springs eternal and all that.
"Is there anything new to report?"
Actually, yes. Maybe. Plans are in the works to produce and present an evening of sketch comedy. Proposed the idea to our writing group and to this end printed up a sampling of comedy sketches for all to read. They (sketches) were enthusiastically received and some of the people expressed the desire to be part of the project. I'm in the process of narrowing down the plausible sketches or those that will please a wide variety of tastes and ages. They will be distributed and we'll evaluate who will fit which sketch. Hopefully, the people that do commit to the project realize that there is a lot of rehearsal time involved.
Comedy, as anyone who has attempted it will attest, is a difficult challenge with timing plus delivery being everything. This is a concern. A number of the potential sketches have been shared here in this blog over time in addition to others actually performed a while back.
Meanwhile, we'll have to evaluate the comedy potential of the potential performers, which will be done next week, hopefully. To be continued...
Regretfully, no, but I did finish my final re-write of "A Thief on the Beach" and am satisfied with the end result.
"But Eleanor - that's not a play! It's a story! It's time you started on a new play or at least finish those that are languishing in cyber never-never land and waiting for an ending!"
True.. but my philosophy (major cop-out) is that a literary completion is a completion is... In as far as a new play(s) project is concerned, haven't come up with a burning idea or concept that moves me enough to explore.
"How about the one-act play that you submitted recently?"
Still waiting to hear back as to its fate, if at all. Hope springs eternal and all that.
"Is there anything new to report?"
Actually, yes. Maybe. Plans are in the works to produce and present an evening of sketch comedy. Proposed the idea to our writing group and to this end printed up a sampling of comedy sketches for all to read. They (sketches) were enthusiastically received and some of the people expressed the desire to be part of the project. I'm in the process of narrowing down the plausible sketches or those that will please a wide variety of tastes and ages. They will be distributed and we'll evaluate who will fit which sketch. Hopefully, the people that do commit to the project realize that there is a lot of rehearsal time involved.
Comedy, as anyone who has attempted it will attest, is a difficult challenge with timing plus delivery being everything. This is a concern. A number of the potential sketches have been shared here in this blog over time in addition to others actually performed a while back.
Meanwhile, we'll have to evaluate the comedy potential of the potential performers, which will be done next week, hopefully. To be continued...
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