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.