Sometime today, I have to get to another 'writing session', so that I will sleep tonight. At yesterday's rehearsal, we finally 'hit' the third act turn. Two sections of the play have been identified and locked in, except for the last part of the second section. A turn has to happen in the story, to get to the third section, which becomes the home stretch. It usually reveals itself through lots of writing and rehearsing. When it finally revealed itself, it was very emotional. Doubly because this play is very personal. There were some elements of the story concerning my father that had to be faced, the main element is dealing with the possibility that he could have been abducted. The search for him in the desert was prolonged and intense. I have always let myself believe in the idea that my father walked until he succumbed to the elements. I never faced the other possibilities. Now I have, and that was a painful part of the story. So much of this process has been 'the process' of dealing with his 'disappearance', but more importantly, dealing with how and what made him a 'disappearing specialist'. No one deserves to have his life end with no one to 'be there', but his life is full of disappearances. The fact is that he learned this trait very early on.
The writing became more difficult when I realized that the story I was telling was not so much about me, but about him, and how his life effected mine. I had to reduce the story to a theme that would have maximum impact at the end of it, instead of some colorful stories. It is still a journey that has a ways to go, but for whatever reason, I've been given this opportunity to develop it.
There is another 'L.A.' story that is 'developing', but the only thing that I know right now is that one of the 'random' people in the photo we took for the postcard happens to be someone that a friend of Scott's knows, and wants to meet with me about the play. We are getting a great 'buzz' down at the Elephant theatre where we are doing the play, and although the ticket sales are not going through the roof, I think we will get an audience for this play. I believe that the 'ghosts' in my life are working overtime to secure this play in the history of a family. Have a great and 'super' Sunday.
6 comments:
dissappearing.
what a word.
i love love love to hear about how you're doing and your process.
I'm going to go see it, the show.
I just had to wait until the Cardinals either won or lost, before I could write anything, and now they have lost without disgracing themselves I can write. I can feel the buildup now for sure. I asked Dante last night if he wanted to come to L.A. with his dad and me to see your show, and he was enthusiastic. I said I would pay for all three tickets as soon as Dan can get settled on a date, probably in March. Sounds like Margie and Cheryl plan to make the trek from Utah. I read a bunch of reviews today in the Sunday paper and thought about theater, but none sound as exciting as a new play. This has got to be a new high for you too in a long history of pretty good theater highs. Mom.
I always enjoy reading your progress in developing your play. I hope you have a good week.
I am more than fascinated about the writing process you are going through to cut through and find that emerging Self...beyond the influence of others. I am ever intrigued as you discard and add to find the right voice. (I would be in a panic by now knowing that the show must go on!!!!)
I might not get to LA to see this emerging creation, but I will be in Boulder. I hope you can do Boulder! But only think of your on stage character two weeks away.
I am breathless!
You are keeping me inspired to work as hard as you are. I applied for two grants today for the Festival and for the Boulder Schools book. So don't get too tired with this production, there are more to follow. I was thinking on the Boulder production this morning. Luckily we have the King work ethic or it may actually be the King manic. Ride this pony.
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