It's far too easy to turn this from a genuine "Updates" page into a rant/rave/journal entry. It really is my intention simply to keep you updated of any recent successes or events (and there have been several). But hey, sometimes I get reflective. And face it, sometimes you need something new to read. Why else would ya be here?
I haven't written any worthwhile additions to any of my plays lately. Not that I don't have a lot to say, but play dialogue has a tendency to turn literal, and I'd rather avoid that. Instead I've been going in a more abstract direction and writing songs. They're coming out pretty well, come to think of it. Two of my favorites are captured on the Knappuccino's site, run by the transplendidly amazing Jill Knapp - go here and and click on my name in the opening paragraph to find MP3's (don't worry, they're free. We won't send Lars Ulrich after your ass). I'm especially proud of that first one, called "Gravity." I wrote it over a year ago, but it means so much more now than it did back then. I'll get back to my plays soon - three of them are dying for my attention, like baby birds begging for regurgitated worms - but for now, my psyche and soul are lost in music, which is just fine with me.
There was a wonderful exchange on the season closer of "Six Feet Under" last year. David and Keith were having a spiritual discussion, and they rejected the notion of a vengeful, fearsome God. I can't quote the dialogue, but it was something like "You shouldn't do the right thing just because you're afraid of divine consequences. You should do the right thing because you can, you have a choice, even if it makes your life harder."
It's a bad idea to devise your philosophy from bits of pop culture, but I find myself going back to that notion over and over again. It's an amazingly comforting thought, and it gives me strength when I need it. Of course, you have to define what "right thing" means to you, but more often than not, you know what it is. You have a choice. Even if it makes your life harder. And knowing that makes difficult conversations easier, lonely mornings better, and unbearable separations just a little more bearable. So if you're looking for a philosophy, I think that's a pretty good start.
Okay, before I blog you into submission, lemme tell you about the plays and such! I had a wonderful experience working with the AbleArts, a performance ensemble in Delaware. They do an amazingly diverse repertoire - dance, comedy, drama, performance art, pieces that defy description. And they're a fun, warm, goofy group of people. They're based in Delaware, but they do travel, so keep an eye out for them.
Coming up is the Delaware debut of "A Curtain Call to Arms" at the Wilmington Drama League. I'm directing a stellar cast, we're having all kinds of fun, and I couldn't be prouder of the production. It goes up Feb 20 and 21 - don't miss it!
But if you must miss it, go see The Little Fish Theatre in San Pedro, California perform "Something Went Wrong" and "The Boy Who was Born With a Tail" at the end of February. The shows, part of a fest called "Pick of the Vine," are getting a three-week run. I'm really proud to be the only playwright with two shows in the same festival!
Well, once you've made the trip to the left coast, come back to the right for a couple of New York productions! First, my good friends at the Emerging Artists Theatre are producing the off-off-Broadway debut of "A Curtain Call to Arms" for three weeks starting in March. This is a supremely talented group, and I can't wait to see what they do with the immensely silly play (which is still one of my faves).
Next, I just learned today that "The Book of Job, Part II: Job Strikes Back" was accepted into the 10th Annual New York 15-Minute Play Festival! I'm delighted about this - the same organization accepted "Yes, Mamet" last year, and the experience was one I treasure. I was so impressed with the EATheatre's version of "Book of Job" in November that I asked the director, JoEllen Notte, if she would bring it to the 15-Minute Play Fest - she readily accepted. I relish the opportunity to give that production another chance to perform.
More good news...my good friend Kristyn Robinson (check the links page to get to her website) had her play "Poisoned" accepted into the NY 15-Minute Fest also! This'll be the fourth time our original works have been featured in the same festival!
Finally, my plays published by Playscripts continue to get productions. "Lives in the Wind" is in the lead, "Curtain Call" is second, and "Trophy Wife" and "Yes, Mamet"...well, let's just call them ahead of their time. Anyway, between "Lives" and "Curtain," I've had productions in something like 15 states and 3 countries (the U.K. just made the list!). Yay Playscripts! Thanks!
That about wraps it up. Everyone be good to each other, okay? You deserve that. You're worth it.
Peace,
Matt