Expert: FRANCIS LYNCH - 6/4/2009

Question
Hi, I am in an amateur theatre group, and have mainly acted in the past. I am currently assisting the director in our summer Shakespeare production, with a view to directing a play myself. I sit on the committee of our group, and we have decided that first-time directors should take a one-act play to cut their teeth on. I have suggested a Eugene Ionesco play for me to direct (The Lesson) as it is one I was in as a student, and I remember it to be quite powerful. I have also proposed some ideas for future plays, including Peter Shaffer's Black Comedy and Friedrich Durrenmatt's The Visit. My committee's response to all these suggestions has been less than enthusiastic, with a definite "old hat" feeling. My question is therefore, can you suggest any plays (one act or full length, but not too long) that are more modern, enjoyable, middle-of-the-road, entertainment, please? Our membership is variable, so a choice of plays from a smaller number to wider casts of about 20 at the max, with a balance towards more females than males. I would be grateful for any suggestions you have, or any places to search. (My local library is not extensive.)

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this.
Emma

Answer

Well firstly I think your committe's attitude to Black Comedy is a very blinkered one, it is one of the best constructed and funniest plays of the last century, so they lack taste!

Might I suggest you look at Alan Ayckbourn's back catalogue, not many one act'rs but plenty of clever witty well constructed plays with an even balance of male/female roles and some brilliantly written women's parts.

Alternatively why don't you research the output of the more experimental London fringe based theatres; namely,  The Bush, Donmar, Hampstead, King's Head. They all tend to do more contemporary work and thier websites will surely have a list of recent productions, (I assume). Also try looking at the output of the Studio theatre at The Royal Exchange in Manchester. Again lots of good contemporary work.

Best

Francis