I’ve been playing around with a title for my in-progress one-woman show. I *really* wanted to call it “One Woman Show” because that is precisely what my life has become…until I realized there was already a one-woman show called “One Woman Show.”
Subsequently, I made lists of things inherent in my scripts…themes, characteristics of those themes, and even words that I like the sounds of. I came up with “The Singular Narrative©.” The copyright symbol is part of it, denoting ownership of being single… in an unwitting way.
I’ve been writing the monologue, rewriting it, and honing it into shorter sentences with more concentrated information. It’s an enlightening means of self-discovery in which I learn much about playwriting, myself (in general), and theater. I feel right at home in this discipline and am making fast progress. I’m working on different styles that pack a punch for visual imagery and soundscapes for the various scenes.
(I cringed when I wrote “soundscapes,” so that’s already done. You can continue to read…)
This show will have autobiographical elements, but it will be about a character different from myself. The character will comprise many parts of my life, but as experienced through someone else’s lens.
(“Lens” is another cringeworthy word when used in that context.)
Many singular narrative shows have captivated my attention through the years. “Shirley Valentine” is a favorite that I saw in London years ago. It was made into a B movie I adore, but I think I’m the only person who does. The story is about a misunderstood, neglected wife and mom over 50 who goes away to a Greek Island and discovers who she is.
I tremendously enjoyed“Always Patsy Cline,” which is based on a true story. I saw it in Houston at the Allen Parkway Theater in the late 80s or early 90s. It still plays off-Broadway and retains two original actors: Melissa Swift-Sawyer (Patsy) and Beth Flynn, who played her friend, Louise.
The story centers around Patsy Cline’s penpal. I’m unsure why I’m sharing this video - it’s a lackluster rendition of the play. The actress in this video isn’t from Texas, and few things are more grating than an inauthentic, excessively dramatized accent. Despite this, the play is well-crafted and entertaining, brilliantly brought to life by the original cast…but not so much the cast in this particular video:
I’ve already mentioned Laurie Anderson in earlier posts…but there are others…many others, with whom I am excited to join the ranks. I have been carefully studying other artists' work and learning a lot. Marina Abramović, Yoko Ono, Judy Chicago (who is now working with colored smoke and photography), Miriam Shapiro…and many others who perform, but also those solo women visual artists that I find inspiring because I plan to use images of my own work in this show.
I am thrilled to be immersed in this project. It will use my music and other sound effects, photos of my art, lighting design, prop, and costume designs. My writing, including my poetry and some of my original short stories…the list goes on.
My enthusiasm is so palpable that I spring out of bed each morning, eager to dive into work and reluctant to step away. Engaging in the research and crafting the narrative is exhilarating; in this endeavor, and I genuinely feel in my element.
Tomorrow is the last day of this month’s theater class. Afterward, we are planning a gathering at a local watering hole. I’m looking forward to it.
I’m so happy to hear that something has sparked a new dimension in your life. The theatre group has certainly done you a world of good! I can’t wait to hear more about your show.
So enjoyed reading this! That creative enthusiasm that gets one up in the morning is precious.