Sorry this is late again- the internet at my house is terrible.
I think that out of all the readings that we’ve done, these have helped the most with my ideas regarding playwriting. For instance, I’ve had a lot trouble writing dialogue, and I think the reason for this is simply that I’m a very technical writer. It’s really difficult for me to go against the ‘call and response’ version of writing. Basically, it’s really hard for me to see/write a question, and have the fellow character ignore or disregard it. Ha. Actually, it’s probably coming partially from my personality too. If I were having a conversation and started asking question and the other person never responded, I would probably be annoyed and uncomfortable. It just feels rude and unnatural to me. I’ve realized that the problem with this is that it makes my dialogue forced and ‘manmade’- too unrealistic. We don’t talk technically, and our emotions are what drive our responses. These readings, “Bowl of Soup” in particular, really showed me that it is not only okay to have characters talk over each other, it ‘s a good thing! It actually makes the dialogue more humanized and accepted.
I suppose that I have always had trouble with the question ‘what is natural dialogue in real life’ and ‘what is natural dialogue on stage,’ and these readings helped me get one step further to answering that question.
I also really enjoyed the ending of “The Moonlight Rodeo.” The play itself was really interesting 1) because it dealt with such a heavy concept and 2) because it ends with the characters scratching their heads! I love that. I’ve never been sure if it’s okay to end with a question, or a lack of resolution so to speak, but I think that the author pulled it off nicely. In fact, I’m not sure I even really want to know the ending. Weird.
The idea of ten minute plays is terrifying because we’re supposed to do so much in so little time, but I guess I could say that the main thing I learned from reading these was that you don’t have to include everything. For me that’s not going to be easy, but I’m really going to try to rely more on hints than blunt statements from characters. Also, I’m going to try to write about one specific idea/thing. Seems like common sense looking at it now, but I know that I have trouble conveying my ideas and I’m sure a shorter play will only make it harder for me. We’ll see how it goes!
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I don't know -- maybe it will be easier. Maybe shorter and more confined and more parameters will help. Do you prefer assignments to go write a poem of any kind or a sonnet on nature? Do you find short stories easier than longer ones? You'll see I guess, but maybe this will prove easier rather than more difficult (though you're right I think -- certainly scarier).
ReplyDeleteThat natural dialogue often involves interruptions, overlaps, and things ignored is a great point. But too, you can certainly write characters more like you and the people you hang out with -- people who listen and respond and don't interrupt. It's worth trying the former and seeing if you like it for sure. But it's not the only way to go.
It's a good point too that "Midnight Rodeo" doesn't become more satisfying if we know what they decide. Ending with a question often IS the answer.