Notes from a Passionate Playwright - The Journey of "The Myth of Julian Rose".

Theatrical friends and peers, It has been a while since I blogged on this site and already I can hear the trolls emerging from their dark and sordid caves to begin their hateful rants. The subject on which I would like to discuss today, is myself. In the world of theatre, we have the tendency to criticise one another and suggest we could ‘do it better’. One of the areas which this is prevalent is writing. Everyone thinks they are a writer. I hear it a lot. But until you actually start typing away at something, all the best ideas in the world are just going to go to waste. Then when someone responds to the call of arms for a locally written show, and actually writes something, no one is prepared to make a financial risk to back them. And then finally, if you are the very small percentile that does get a show put on, people come and give their opinions, which as we know can be devastating for emerging artists. I’ve been through all this. I wrote my first play without even knowing what I was doing. In hindsight, it wasn’t the best piece of theatre, but it was definitely a good start. Writing is a craft. Much more I believe, than acting, which can come natural to some people. Dialogue and scene construction are very hard things to master. Having written three plays, I still have a lot to learn, but I have persevered with the craft, even when I was told my work was rubbish and I no one would want to work with me. And I don’t think I am going to hit my peak for at least another decade or so. Which brings me to the point of this blog. I have written a show that will performed at the Blue Room Theatre between June 9-28 in the Studio. It’s my ‘big stage debut’ (which is ironic considering the stage is quite small). I asked a very talented (award winning in fact) and established director, Marisa Garreffa, if she was interested in working with me. She read a rough draft of the play and agreed on the provision I develop it further. I did. And for the past six months I have worked very hard on the play to get it up to a professional standard. Whenever I look at my work, I only see errors, but others must have see potential, because we managed to get some of the most talented performers in Perth, including James Helm, Glenn Hall, Jo Morris and Sarah Nelson. So, to say I am extremely excited about this is an understatement. It makes me smile every time I think about it. I just wanted to share my experience with you, if only in passing on this forum. I truly believe this production is going to be something very special and not just because I wrote it, but because of the passion the cast and crew have for this project. It makes me very proud. I would love all of you to see it. Details are below. -- Mondo Di Corpo and The Blue Room presents the world premiere of new Western Australian work The Myth Of Julian Rose at The Blue Room Studio from 8 – 26 June 2010 as part of The Blue Room Theatre’s 21st birthday season. Marisa Garreffa returns to the Blue Room to direct Daniel Kershaw’s debut work following the success of multiple award-winning Motortown in 2008 (Equity Nomination - Best Director 2008, Blue Room Awards - Best Production 2008). Julian, is a man with a disturbing past that surfaces with a vengeance when a Minotaur begins to stalk his family. The Myth Of Julian Rose boldly portraits the effect of maternal child abuse and the fallout of suppressed trauma. Giving voice to the unspeakable, the resulting story is emotive, tragic and chilling. “The play addresses the fallout of suppressed memory and challenges the notion of confession as a means of healing. If memories are not confronted, they will find a voice elsewhere, in this case, a ten-foot tall Minotaur” – Marisa Garreffa Starring James Helm, Glenn Hall, Jo Morris and Sarah Nelson with live music and sounds by Tristen Parr, expect a (un)healthy dose of magic realism and contemporary performance infused with circus art in this powerful collision of genre. Produced by Christina Yiannakis l Visual World created by Karen Cook, Ami McDonald, Bobbi Jo Divitini, Rosie Martin and Colleen Sutherland l Artwork by Deon Schafer The Blue Room Theatre June 9-26. Tues-Sat 8.30pm TICKETS THROUGH THE BLUE ROOM PHONE: 9227 7005 ONLINE: blueroom.org.au/blueroomseasons