I have a couple of plays that rarely get produced, even though they receive the same amount of exposure as my other plays with the same publishers. I don't think it's because they are lesser in quality. In fact, one of them I consider among my best work, and that would be The Waking Moment. It's one of very few dramas I have written, and I am extremely proud of the story and how it is told.
To date, it has only been produced twice. Both were before it was even published. Perhaps that's because it deals with sexual abuse. I'm sure that scares off a few teachers and discourages them from even reading the play. I hadn't looked at the play in a couple of years, so I thought I would revisit the script and see if it's too didactic...or preachy...and, thus, the reason it's not been produced in years. I was pleased to discover that it commits neither of those playwrighting sins. In fact (if I do say so myself), I believe it's rather subtle and even sweet at times.
I don't know where I am going with this post, other than to remind myself that while I am primarily a comedic writer, there is something to be said for great drama. Some of my favorite plays are dramas: Rabbit Hole, Stroke Static, Off the Map, Inside Al, Moon People, The Glass Menagerie, and many others. So if a school ever decides to produce The Waking Moment, I just might hop on a plane and check it out...wherever that may be.
I totally understand the 'rarely' produced syndrome. It can make you feel that your work isn't worth something.
ReplyDeleteThere is absolutely something to be said for a good drama. These are perhaps not the times for dramas. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't be written. Having them available, means that when they're needed, they're there for the taking.
Feels great to hear you say that. That last sentence goes on my monitor, next to the other Post-Its that keep me writing every day.
ReplyDelete