In my opinion, there is something so fantastically beautiful about seeing the words you wrote come out of someone else’s mouth. It’s unreal. It’s creepy. And it is breathtaking.
I remember sitting in the audience of the reading of my full-length play, “Family Guidance” at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. I was first crazy excited to have a play of mine in a place once owned by John Wilkes Booth’s brother (in case you forgot, I love Abraham Lincoln-a lot). Then it hit me, my play was being read in the world’s longest running theatre.
When the actors started doing their job, I forgot about the history of the theatre. I forgot about the audience in the room. Hell, I forgot the play was mine. I was invested in the play because of the life the actors gave my words. I knew what was happening next, but the actors made me forget that part.
The actors gave my play life and breath.
I was humbled and amazed something I wrote could sound and feel that way.
And once again, I am in the position of hearing an actor take my work and give it life.
Below is a link to my monologue called, “Raised Right.” The actor in the monologue, Renee Cole, did an amazing job taking the character in my head and bringing her to life.
I am again so humbled and just plain blown away.
I am beyond grateful for all the actors who gave my characters life and I am thrilled to be part of a community in which this kind of conversation happens all the time.
Here’s the link:
http://playoftheweekblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/play-of-week-raised-right-by-mm-wittle.html
A million pounds of gratitude to all of you who support my work, who read my work, and who take on the “skin” of my characters.
August 23, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Hi Michelle! Just wanted to let you know that I saw your monologue on NYC Playwrights today and really liked it. I really sympathized with and understood the character, her family, and her values. My play was also chosen for the August Play of the Week, and I’m so proud to have my play featured with yours. Anyways, I’m an incoming freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, so I was excited when I found out you also live in Philadelphia! How crazy is it that two of the playwrights this month are from Philly? I’d love to talk to you about theater opportunities and creative writing opportunities in Philly (I’m moving up there on Saturday), so feel free to email or Facebook message me. I also hope that I can come to one of your shows this semester!
August 23, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Hey Emily:
That is great that you’re coming to Philadelphia. The writing community is really awesome here and we do a lot to support one another. I’m totally going to find you on facebook now. If, for some reason I can’t find you, I have a fan page on facebook- http://www.facebook.com?/MMWittle. Feel free to like my page. All my work and whatever else I find about writing in Philadelphia will be on there.
Thanks so much for your support. It means a lot to me. I’m honored to be included with your play.
Best
MM