In our second instalment of our playwright interviews, Assistant Producer Charlotte Mountford grills Bea Roberts and Luke Barnes on their experience of Word:Play/NWxSW…
Bea Roberts
How did you go about writing a piece with just the word ‘division’ as direction?
The very first thing I did was to brainstorm ‘division’ but after I’d covered three sheets of A4 I realised that that possibly wasn’t the most helpful start! I knew very early on that I wanted to write about division with regard to women and liked the idea of looking at a different generation from my own to explore how much has changed. I think we’re living through a really interesting time where Feminism is having a bit of renaissance. There’s a groundswell of discussion and activism at the moment – things like the Everyday Sexism Project and Ban Page 3 – and so I was drawn to writing about the early Sixties which was another era where a lot of women were re-examining and challenging the societal norms around them.
What personal inspirational triggers do you like to use as a writer?
The inspiration for ‘Nights With Dolly Henderson’ actually came from a story my Nan told me of how her and a neighbour of hers used to sneak into each others kitchens at night if they were both up. It was a way for them to have a bit of time and space to themselves away from their husbands, children and responsibilities. I never knew about it and neither did my Granddad! I loved the idea of these clandestine meetings, it seemed like a perfect situation to write about. Using music is a really fundamental part of my writing process too so I’ve been blasting out Dusty Springfield, Scott Walker and Donovan pretty solidly for the last couple of months – that coupled with my terrible obsession for archive footage from the British Pathe website and I was all set to write the Sixties!
Word:Play will be performed in your home town – how do you feel about seeing your work produced at a local theatre?
It’s wonderful to have work on locally and I’m a big fan of the Bike Shed Theatre in particular; they’re doing fantastic things to support new work in the area and I’m very proud to help them fly the flag for Devon! It’s really lovely to have something friends and family will be able to come along to easily as well, it gives it a bit of a party feel. You’ll know if my dad’s at the show because he’ll be photographing everything and making me pose awkwardly next to the actors, the directors, the set, the posters, the sign outside….
Your play is being presented alongside 5 other pieces about division by fellow emerging writers. Have you ever had your work performed with other’s before? How does it make you feel?
I have had work in showcases before; I’ve done a few 24 hour plays and last year was part of the New Blood Bare Bones short play season at the Bike Shed in Exeter. It’s always nerve wracking and exciting in equal measure; I can’t wait to meet my fellow writers and see what they’ve come up with. I’ve heard the pieces are incredibly varied so I’m sure it’ll be a fascinating and rich collection – like a theatrical buffet. I always love a buffet.
What’s your favourite word?
MAGNIFICENT! It has a real grandeur to it. I also have a new favourite, ‘doughty’, which I had to look up when I heard it. It’s an Old English word meaning ‘stouthearted’. I hope to be thoroughly doughty one day.
Pictionary or Articulate?
It’s got to be Articulate surely?! I can’t draw for toffee but I can certainly flap my arms about and talk, that’s how I got into theatre!
Luke Barnes
How did you go about writing a piece with just the word ‘division’ as direction?
I was pretty keen on breaking the tradition I’m known for – writing young, direct address, angsty stuff… But wanted a variation of it… So I wrote a social adaptation of Goldilocks…. Division of a family being at the heart of it…
What personal inspirational triggers do you like to use as a writer?
Bill Shankly is the greatest starting point any writer could have. His quotes shape my understanding of theatre. “I use the simple language, I’d never call a man avaricious, I’d call him bloody greedy”…. “I remind my players, time and time again, that it is they’re privilege to play for you” … “if everyone does their job to the best of their ability then that’s the way to a better world”
Word:Play will be performed in your home town – how do you feel about seeing your work produced at a local theatre?
…. I hope they like Bears.
Your play is being presented alongside 5 other pieces about division by fellow emerging writers. Have you ever had your work performed with other’s before? How does it make you feel?
This is a first for me. I was excited to write something that’s a part of an evening not a stand alone piece. I was very conscience of writing something that would be different from the rest…
What’s your favourite word?
Boss.
Pictionary or Articulate?
Articulate.
Watch this space for the final instalement of ‘Meet the Word:Playwrights’, and keep an extra beady eye on Twitter for some sneak preview rehearsal shots! Follow us @bottc
Regional Tour :: NWxSW
March 2013
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
2nd & 4th March 7:30pm
www.octagonbolton.co.uk
Whitby Hall, Ellesmere Port
6th March 1pm
actiontransporttheatre.org
The Continental, Preston
7th March 8pm
www.newcontinental.net
Lantern Theatre, Liverpool
8th March 7:30pm
www.thelanterntheatre.co.uk
Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
11th-16th March 7:30pm
www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk
Lighthouse Centre, Poole
22nd March 8pm
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Merlin Theatre, Frome
23rd March 7:45pm
www.merlintheatre.co.uk
Alma Tavern Theatre, Bristol
25th-26th March 8pm
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk
Salisbury Playhouse
27th March 7:45pm
www.salisburyplayhouse.com