Intermission
a creative coffee break from writing the play

The reading of the play was a very gratifying experience.

It was clear to me in rehearsals what was not working. I fixed little items, but left as it was the larger issue. It would wait to the re-write. I received some insightful, thoughtful notes which sparked new ideas on how to handle things in the re-write. Everyone was moved by the play, despite its problems of, well, being over-plotted. This may be the first time I’ve had Act 1 problems with a solid Act 2.

After blessing the actors, as I wrote earlier, I am grateful for those who are willing to sit through readings, be part of an audience for us all, taking notes or not. Some of these folks have sat through this play innumerable times. My Beloved, who says she hates the development process and fears it may ruin the theatre experience for her, kept the actors supplied with water, and sat through the reading dutifully. Much gratitude from me for everyone. Especially her.

I plan on keeping one thread as a kind of frame for the play. And re-writing everything as much as possible. I’m discovering lately, that when I hold on to certain scenes, pages, lines of dialogue, the re-write is less inspired. Those pages I particularly love must be disgarded. I find holding on to them may stifle something greater which may come forward. Being willing to re-write, not just tweak lines, means trusting the creative process within myself.

In preparation for the reading, the director kept talking to me about loving “the process.” It’s a common theme among us all. A sentiment I understand, yet do not wish to remain “in process” for a particular work. The process (rehearsal, discovery) is illuminating to me as the writer. Ultimately, I love more the play finally coming to life on stage. And writiing a new one.

The preparation for the reading took a lot of time, and so I set aside the new play I have hopes of finishing by the Fall. I’ve also spent a lot of time on a short play, getting ready for it to be ’showcased’ very soon. Both of these events, I know, will somehow better inform the new play when I pick it back up next week.

Re-write of the play completed. Now, time to hear it before continuing on with, I think/hope/feel, one more re-write. This time, not a cold reading as we did in March, but one with a director and a couple of rehearsals, and a small audience of some sort in a theatre annex.

Despite knowing these actors for some time now, I am always chagrined to ask for not only one more reading, but for one with some time commitment (study, rehearsal, performing) on their part. I am always amazed when they say yes. And if I had money, I’d pay them. As it is, I lavish food upon them at rehearsal. Probably to the slight annoyance of the director, as it messes with his idea of how the time should go. Yet, he is as kind and generous as the actors with his time. He ‘gets’ the play, and does what I cannot do: direct my own stage work. If left up to me, I’d end up giving actors line readings, and I know that’s not directing. It’s easier for me to give over the interpretation of my script if I’m sitting behind the director. Umm…I mean that figuratively, not literally.

These talented people have sat through endless Monday nights reading, listening to the play in its earlier forms. While they are all gifted at cold reading, at the first rehearsal, I sense they appreciate being able to tackle the material with some thought and direction, and not just cold.

Occasionally, the director stops and calls out, “Playwright?” Yes, he actually calls me that instead of my name, although no one else shares the same. He poses a question, asks for clarity, or tells me a line interrupts the flow and asks for a cut or a re-write. Sometimes I agree, sometimes not. Sometimes I realize his solution can better be solved with my solution. It is always better, I feel, to come up with my own solution.

My excitement about the play grows, moving from fear, trepidation, anxiety into something more confident. I try to think of other ways to thank my band of volunteers than food. I cannot thank them enough for all they do. They are an integral part of the development process. Playwrights need to hear their work read aloud. Playwrights HAVE to hear their work read aloud.

I don’t like all actors. I haven’t gotten along with all actors. I’ve had my share of twirling dervishes.

Actors are a gift. I hope to always treat them accordingly.

I cannot seem to find my comfort zone with blogging. This is my third try at blogging, over the last three years or so. One of the things that happens for me is I begin to have conversations with people I don’t like very much. People I don’t know who, well, threaten me because of my own insecurities, or who I’ve just plain formed some ill opinion about for something he or she has written on their own blog. And so, I stop writing until I can banish these silly conversations/arguments/polemics from my head and begin again. Some time has past, and I’ve forgotten who those people are, and I try the blog again. And so…