"Dear Tony,
"I took all your advice and made the changes to 'My Mother Buys Condoms'. The one change I had difficulty making is the length of certain scenes: When Raju is learning to read, there are a few short scenes to show his progress. I find it hard to run away from that structure because we need to see the passage of time and how’s he’s improving. I can’t seem to get around that.
"Other than that, the other changes have been duly made. The dream sequence is gone, the obvious 'speeches are mostly gone, though I had to keep Gwen's because she's a lawyer and I think it feels right that she speaks that way.
"Meanwhile, I was wondering if you could read another script of mine. It’s something I’ve been working on for some time. It's called 'The Globetrotter'. I’ve showed it to friends, but I get mixed reviews – from strong disgust to delight. My friends are smart but they’re not professional script readers. I was wondering if you could read it and give me your opinion.
"If you can’t because a second script is outside the scope of your contract, I completely understand. I look forward to our session together and I sincerely appreciate all the help you've given us :-)
"Warm regards,
"Helmi"
Hello Helmi!
Your play is ready for rehearsing on the boards at this stage. Don't fret or over-write it--at this point, problems of timing and pacing will be solved by the director and the performers.
I will be happy to read your second play. I hope it is a sign that we have uncovered the lid of your infinite well and that you are going to be one of Singapore's most prolific playwrights. But, be patient with me, as what I do not have now is time: I am preparing syllabi for the new workshop for Theatreworks and for the Bangladeshi migrant workers, I am transiting to retirement after 36 years of service to the office, and my house is still being renovated!
Yes, I look forward to being with you again.
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