Writing from The Heart: Dramaturgy for Theatreworks

Writing from The Heart

"Writing from The Heart" is a workshop on creative writing, creative drawing, and creative drama. There are three available versions of this workshop: one for beginners on the secondary, tertiary, and graduate levels, and another for practitioners. A third version of this workshop is designed as an outreach program to disadvantaged and underserved audiences such as the disabled, the poor and the marginalized, victims of human trafficking, battered women and abused children, drug rehabilitation center residents, child combatants, children in conflict with the law, prisoners, and gang leaders. This third version incorporates creativity and problem awareness, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, trauma therapy, and peacemaking.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Dramaturgy for Theatreworks

Your e-mail message:

"Hello Tony

"Brendan has asked to send you a progress report after your postings at http://tonyperezphilippinescyberspacebook18.blogspot.sg/2014_09_01_archive.html.

"<< A report on a reading session held in October 2014 >>

"Samantha, Serene, Helmi, Beverly, De Jun, Mayura and Zoe gathered at 72-13 on 18 Oct 2014 from 10am - 2pm in Singapore for a reading of our works.

"Four works by Samantha, Helmi, Beverly and Zoe were read and discussed. Each of us read parts from scences as directed by the playwright. We also gave feedback as asked by the playwright, and on the directions given by Tony Perez's blog. We also gave comments as a potential audience, as a potential actor, and discussed about how the storyline should go given the characters that we have. Some of us outlined the themes we picked up from the read play.

"Even though the discussion per work was limited to one hour, it was really fruitful, because the budding playwrights 'heard' and 'saw' the characters they have written. Even after the session, some continued to chat on a topic for the 5th work.

"Prior to the October session, the playwrights shared their trepidation on their works being harshly critiqued by others. Afterall, we were only at the amateur stage. I have asked that the playwright to take the lead for the discussion instead, by asking for feedback, and for the other participants to follow the playwrights' lead.

"It has produced good results so far, as the discussion focused on the work and how it would appear or appeal to the audience. The playwrights have also invited one another to share their revised works by the next session in November 2014.

"<< Next session >>

"It will be held in mid-Nov at 72-13.

"I have asked the rest to consider forming the second group to have a reading or sharing at 72-13, as Brendan have also requested. I have also asked for some of them to step up to organise the second group, as I could only organise the first group.

"Ellie has asked for a reading after 18 Oct session, but none of us were able to make it. Ellie also replied that she would be returning home in November so she would not be able to join us in the reading. However, it seems she would return in time for your mentorship.

"Hope this helps.

"Cheers from Zoe"

My answer: Hi Zoe!

So difficult to teleport at a moment's notice.

I am looking forward to meeting this group.

Most importantly I am also looking forward to meet the group that has not responded. My work with them is not finished.

Once you decide to be a playwright, there is no such thing as being an "amateur" playwright. You ARE a playwright already, whether you like it or not.