Theatre Lost according to Playwright

Mon, 17 July 2006, 02:56 pm

Labrug25 posts in thread

I read a short yet interesting article in the West Australian this Sat just gone (15th July). The peice was written by Mark Naglazas and without his direct permission, I will quote portions of his work.

A leading Australian playwright, David Williamson, has expressed his concerns over the fate of new Australian theatre at a conference of the Australian National Playwrights in Perth last week. He makes the claim that "if he was starting out today he would probably not be as successful because of the lack of support for new local writing." Subsidies that were once up to half of a theatrical company's budget have seen reductions to less than 10%. With this drop, there is less support for newly emerging playwrights as companies revert to industry proven productions to maintain turnover figures.

"There's lots of wonderful new writing out there but companies don't want to take the risk," sais Williamson. "Young writers can still get their work on in small theatres. The problem is getting that work presented on the main stages."

This is something that has been dicussed occasionally (and recently) on this site. While the truth is a sad situation, it is good to know that this feeling is not isolated to playwrights themselves. I recently posted an article relating to a politcal statement made by the NSW Minster for Arts which expressed similar concerns over theatre in general. You can find that article through this link - http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/the_state_of_theatre_the_politicians_view

While the apparant RISK of new productions remains financially high, new works and new playwrights will be facing an uphill battle for recognition. As Williamson says, "We are now a film and television culture which is a shame because theatre can do things other dramatic forms can't." How true.

Thread (25 posts)

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LabrugMon, 17 July 2006, 02:56 pm

KirileeTue, 18 July 2006, 02:04 pm

Here's a thought, what

Here's a thought, what about applying the film and television culture that we have become into theatre? 'Cyborg theatre' as some would call it. I recently came across it through (and am pleased to say that I've been in contact with) 'Cyberbia Productions' just outside Washinton DC. They are a University group but create their own new material with shows that are designed to target audiences that are television and film driven through the use of multimedia and projections. Personally I haven't worked with much multimedia in performance yet (this semester at uni hopefully) but I have projections. It is interesting what you can create with simple light tricks... Anyway, this is all off the point. I guess what I am getting at is that at least to my thoughts, emerging playwrights are finding hard to get their works staged because the companies only want something that A) They can relate a creditable name to, or B) Can reach an audience. 'Cyburbia Productions' have created a term that they use called 'Live Movies' - Theatre intermixed with digital media (not movie story lines). Maybe this is the next way for emerging playwrights to go? A thought if nothing else... ((Cyberbia Production's website is: http://www.cyburbiaproductions.com/ if you want to read some more about them, interesting stuff. - And of course, they aren't the only company doing such theatre))

LabrugTue, 18 July 2006, 02:20 pm

Diversify or Die

Even though I pride myself on being open minded and prepared to diversify, I have to admit that while I find what Cyburbia Productions doing to be brilliant, creative and an alternative to modern theatre that has some promise, I still have that strong fondness in my heart for traditional theatre.

All things change and evolve. Some for good and others for worse. This is a fact of life and I am learning that the older one becomes, the more one holds on to the days of yore.

If theatre moves toward this style of production, I think I will be happy, especially as long as there is still a place for the old. ;-)

Good connection to have Kirilee.

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

NaTue, 18 July 2006, 02:27 pm

There's plenty of

There's plenty of multimedia theatre projects around - in fact, I have a feeling that the Government is funding this sort of theatre more than 'normal' theatre. And I don't think this will strengthen theatre all around, just contribute to multi-art performances in general. I don't think it's a good idea to encourage emerging playwrights to use this kind of visual element in playwrighting. There's a lot of commentary about at the moment that young writers are not writing for theatre, but writing their scripts for film. This suggests a misunderstanding of the conventions needed in/out of a theatrical script compared to film scripts. Multimedia is better left to collaborations, developing scripts through workshops, and the direction of the play. My opinion on it, anyway... Feel free to disagree. :) The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

LogosTue, 18 July 2006, 03:18 pm

I have done some work with

I have done some work with multi media production and I largely have the same problems with it that I have with film. It is a different discipline to theatre and multi media presentation brings the essential lack of flexibility that film has to live theatre. Live theatre's great strengths include to me the response and reaction between an audience and a performer/s. Each performance is unique in that each audience reacts and responds in a different way. Film by never varying response sterilises in some ways the experience making it predictable. It is the very unpredicatability of theatre that is magnificent. Bring in too much on film or projected pre-designed images and the flexibility begins to suffer. Don't get me wrong, multi media is fascinating and I certainly haven't finished experimenting with it and I love film although I will never cease to search for the alternative endings but live theatre where the actor the director and the playwright get minute by minute, second by second feedback and breathe the same air as their audience ... how can you possibly not love it. (I know no one on this site said that they didn't love it. They wouldn't be here if they didn't) Life's too short to stuff a mushroom www.tonymoore.id.au

Tari-XalyrTue, 18 July 2006, 03:32 pm

It was interesting

The Playwright convention Labrug began taling about was intersting. It was open to amatuers and emerging playwrights and was held at UWA on Friday of last week. A friend and i bused it there and were there for a few hours listening to diff talks and workshops. . we left early coz we were planning on spending a day in freo. . .anyway slghtly off topic. . . There is always going to be an uphill battle for anyone in the theatre business. I, like Labrug i think it was, have a soft spot for tradtitional theatre, and the idea of Multimedia theatre is good for extending and developing the arts . . i agree with that. But will theatre then be neglected and forgotten with time? Will it become an old form of entertainment long lost to society's of the future because of our obsession with technology? It's a scary thought. As an amatuer playwright the only reason any of my plays have been staged is because of school. Through the course we are able to get our own works produced but once school is over this year i fear for any in a similar situation. Amatuer theatre is where i am focusing on for now. . . But yes it is getting harder to get new plays and playwrights noticed. . . ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

LogosTue, 18 July 2006, 03:38 pm

I don't believe

that we will ever lose live performance, theatre, completely. See my comments above about it's immediacy. I do believe it will change, in fact is changing. As writers (I don't draw artificial lines between "professional" and "amateur" writers Tari, if you write you write.) we need to follow these changes and try to anticipate or even cause them. As far as what do do with your work when you leave school. Keep working find others who will work with you. Create your own opportunities and above all never listen to anyone who says "you can't do that". Life's too short to stuff a mushroom www.tonymoore.id.au

LabrugTue, 18 July 2006, 03:52 pm

Intimacy

> Live theatre's great strengths include to me the response and reaction between an audience and a performer/s.

Logos, too true. It is for this feeling of contact and thrill that I love theatre. There is also that risk element, of making a mistake and having to deal with it, live, on-stage, with everyone watching. Cinema is great and will last a lifetime in storage in hundreds of home DVD Collections, but theatre is alive and breathing entertainment. Imagine being able to bring out a favourite movie and watching it over and over again. Some of the best flicks have been those that need to be watch several times to get everything, but once you've seen it all what more is there? It's predictable entertainment which has it place of course.

I like the feeling of walking a tightrope, trying to evoke reactions from the audience. If something doesn't work, you change it, even slightly. Far more exciting.

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Tari-XalyrTue, 18 July 2006, 08:53 pm

I dont draw the lines

I dont draw the lines between pro and amatuer Logos, sorry i went to what they called "Amatuer workshops". . . .my bad for not being specific enough. apart from that thanks for the encouragement. . . ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

KirileeTue, 18 July 2006, 09:24 pm

We shall never loose

We shall never loose traditional theatre. It is a source, like books. I too have a soft spot for traditional theatre (please do not take what I wrote before as my ownly belief, just an observation - I have seen project put in multi-media because it "looks cool" but takes away from the performance). I guess that emerging playwrights just have to write something that is new and not already a hollywood movie or play. And more than that, they have to keep coming up with these stories - to be recognised.

NaWed, 19 July 2006, 09:51 am

Hmm, hard to write

Hmm, hard to write something new... who was it that said everything's been done already? I think my English teacher put it the best - if you're going to write a cliche, then at least write it in a different way than normal. I think that's why there are so many variations on a theme out there - not enough new ideas. The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

Daniel KershawWed, 19 July 2006, 10:53 am

All ideas are rehashed

All ideas are rehashed Kirilee. It is the way we rehash them that make it interesting. The main difference between film and theatre writing is that in film you are writing a story shaped by images in sound, while in theatre, you are (re)constructing a reality. That is why film scripts tend to be less dialogue heavy. Writers have no need to be original to be recognised, although it does help. All a writer needs to know is to how to structure their stories and characters to establish flow of plot and meaning.

KirileeThu, 20 July 2006, 03:42 pm

Yes I agree with you and

Yes I agree with you and Na. I heard a simular thing like there are 7 original story lines and shakespeare wrote them all down (not that he was the first at that!) I guess what I'm saying is that to write a cliche which is so obvious that it is already a well known story, play, musical, TV show, movie... anything - it becomes boring because we know what is going to happen next. I guess what I'm saying is that the audience needs to be surprised, and not two steps ahead of what is happening at the moment. Not shock value always, but surprising. I also heard of another quote which is something like "drama is life with all the boring bits cut out"... so the question is, what are bits that aren't boring in our lives? The surprises.

NaThu, 20 July 2006, 05:06 pm

Yes, I think it was

Yes, I think it was Hitchcock who said that. You should try reading one of my plays. Plenty of surprise! The trick is trying to rephrase the cliche. :) The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

Tari-XalyrFri, 21 July 2006, 01:42 pm

Mmmmm. . . .

"I heard a simular thing like there are 7 original story lines and shakespeare wrote them all down (not that he was the first at that!)" I've heard that too Kirilee. And I dont find it hard to believe theres only so much about humanity that we already know and until something new is discovered then there is merely going to be variations on the same ideas. For example: A novella I wrote was a typical dark underworld: vampires and humans etc - beginners to horror - piece. But it had a twist that was not expected - thus publication. Like, i think, Na said it's merely trying to keep ahead of the audiences assumptions. That is what makes something successful. Twists and unexpected surprises . . .that are within reason. . lol. . unlike soap operas but thats another story. . . ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

KirileeFri, 21 July 2006, 03:31 pm

I would love to. I love

I would love to. I love reading any new australian written text. How can I get a copy? :P

NaFri, 21 July 2006, 03:49 pm

I'm guessing this refers to

I'm guessing this refers to me? I have about 6 or 7 different plays (one produced, one monologue from another play produced). I can email one or more of them to you if you like. :) The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

LogosFri, 21 July 2006, 04:18 pm

Sometimes the newness

simply resides in the relationships between the characters who populate your world, sometimes in the unexpected reactions of people to "normal" situations. I seem to feel a degree of cynical world weariness over plots developing not only on this thread but others. Remember we can colour our experience of new work by our own preconceptions. A surprise can put us off as well as encourage us. I am not a great playwright but some of my work is mildly interesting you can check out some of it on my website below. There are two monologues available on that site now for reading if you are interested plus some silly very short plays. Life's too short to stuff a mushroom www.tonymoore.id.au

KirileeFri, 21 July 2006, 07:27 pm

That would be awesome

That would be awesome :) kirilee@aapt.net.au Oh yeh... a birthday pressie! :D Looking forward to it. EDIT: You can send as much or as little as you like. Send us your favorite/best :D If that's all, send all!

Tari-XalyrFri, 21 July 2006, 07:38 pm

ahahaha

Ahahaha!! Sorry just read some of Logo's works. . .i Loved the "Lunch Serendipity" i think it was called. Brilliant. Did that idea pop up in a coffee shop or something luv? coz it sounds like the Dome Coffee Shop i go to in freo. Interesting folk and entertaining. Like the businessman with the beetroot. . . . and now back to the topic. . .lol ~ Tari P.S. Logos where did the "stuff a mushroom" come from? I'm intrigued by it. . . The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

NaFri, 21 July 2006, 07:56 pm

Cool, I'll send you a

Cool, I'll send you a couple! :) Let me know if you don't get the email! The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

LogosFri, 21 July 2006, 07:57 pm

Stuffing a mushroom

is an exacting task that requires enormous concentration and considerable time. The end result is a moment of pleasure. Despite my age I am in fact one of the instant gratification generation, I eat the mushroom and the stuff I was going to stuff it with getting the gratification without the effort. Lunchtime Serendipity was actually written for two friends of mine who are both well over sixty and who remet in almost that way. I wanted to write them a gentle love story. They liked it. Life's too short to stuff a mushroom www.tonymoore.id.au

LogosSun, 23 July 2006, 03:54 pm

I've been thinking.

Even though it hurts. The seven basic plot thing seems dreadfully simplistic. Most modern literature is based on Indo European myth for it's basic concept threads. So we have the quest thread best exemplified by Lord Of The Rings if you've never read Beowolf. Much literature especially most sci fi and fantasy is quest. The love story in all it's basic styles, all of which contain the concept that true love never runs smooth (lets face it there's no theatre without conflict, true of most literature). There are heroic stories of striving aganst odds (Seven Samurai) I give up. The point I'm making is that the seven plots (which might have been in Aristotles Tragedy I don't remember and currently have no copy) are very very basic and talk about mankinds (please accept this as inclusive for the sake of the exercise ladies.) striving. We as writers take those basic problems, The yearning for love, the striving for fame and power, the challenging of the gods, whatever and give it a spin that fits our society and our literate needs. There are many new plots out there and not all of them rehash Hollywood and it's not just spin or twist that makes them new. We need to strive above all else for honesty in our writing. Knowledge of what we are writing about and understanding of the human condition that our plot rises from. I'm getting a headache. enough for now. Life's too short to stuff a mushroom www.tonymoore.id.au

LabrugMon, 24 July 2006, 08:56 am

The Childs Sig

I have read your little sig statement so many times. - "The Writer is a child..." etc. Imagine my surprise when I read this;

Writers are like puzzled children, Malouf says
"They're like small children really in a house where they're endlessly eavesdropping or trying to see what it is the adults are up to, and trying to work it out and they never really work it out."

That is too weird --- Link here. http://www.abc.net.au/news/arts/articulate/200607/s1693754.htm

Are you two friends? ;-)

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Tari-XalyrMon, 24 July 2006, 11:09 am

Replying away . . .

Labrug: No I've only ever heard of him and i've never read that before. . .lol. . My signature thigy is actually a quote from the WA poet Catherine Bateson. . who i do know. She took our poetry workshops three times and she's exceedingly nice lady. It's on her site. . . somewhere. . .www.catherine-bateson.com.au Logos: I wouldn't honestly know i have never tried stuffing a mushroom but if it's as time consuming as you make it sound i would merely eat all teh stuff before i'd finsihed too. . .lol. As for the seven ideas myth. . .which really it is. .i still dont find it hard to believe. Of course they are simple in structure. But. . .meh. . .i'm tired lol. . .Ever hear someones voice ont he phone and then they bombard you and you feel wasted and exhausted. . .yeh that sorta tired so when i have strength i may respond to that . . lol. . .sorry ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

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