'The Swan' - Update Monday, November 19, 2007 |
You might remember that a while ago me and Miranda Howard-Williams collaborated on a short play called 'The Swan'. Well having finished it, we submitted the play to a few London theatres with good youth writing programs.
As of the moment, the only theatre we've heard back from has been the Royal Court. Unfortunately we weren't accepted on to the program, but they had some interesting criticism to offer which Miranda and I intend to take on board. Expect an editied version of 'The Swan' some time soon, hopefully with the central scene rewritten.
In the mean time I've reproduced the rejection letter the Royal Court sent us below:
Dear Miranda and Jon
The Swan
Thank you for sending us your co-authored play The Swan.
We were interested to read the script, which is lovingly-wrought and energetic. At the same time, we feel there is room to focus the play through a series of precise present-tense actions and to develop a more playful sense of theatricality - challenging your audience's expectations. While The Swan is a warmly observed play, the confessional tone tends towards exposition at the moment.
As I am sure you appreciate only a fraction of the plays sent here can be considered for development or production, and we have decided not to take this script further. However,we are glad to have read the script and wish you success in your further writing.
Thank you for thinking of us.
Yours sincerely
Ruth Little
Theatre Manager
Also, having spoken to a friend involved in theatre we're planning on submitting the swan to a few other venues; in particular the Rep in Birmingham, another theatre which fosters young writing talent. The letter from the Royal Court will be framed and hung in the toilet - presumably the first of many.
Tune of the moment: The Year of the Cat - Al Stewart
Jac
Labels: drama, news, submissions