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‘Mostly it feels
like you don’t know—like you’re reaching for something that you can’t
quite grab. Some writers talk about their fear of the blank page, but
the playwright who draws work from life can have the opposite problem.
Spoilt for choice. Presented with myriad possibilities and competing
ideas of how to condense the source material or arrange it in a
theatrically dynamic, original and compelling way. Lost in a sea of
options, yet perversely obsessed with the interview not done, the
perspective not transcribed, the final piece of the jigsaw forever
elusive. And it’s not about a lack of confidence, although that can hum
away in the background for longer than you might expect. It’s about not
trying to have clarity. It’s about waiting until you do.’
So begins
Bowerbird, a journey through
the life and plays of Alana Valentine, as well as the creative process
behind the plays. One of Australia’s most inventive playwrights, Alana
shows the power of bringing new audiences into our theatres to share the
space with traditional audiences, detailing how to gather and transform
lived experience into compelling drama. In
Bowerbird she reveals the
motor of her artistry by combining stories from her life with
observations from her experience.
‘Bowerbird
is written with all the
humanity, wisdom, humour and generosity that we recognise and love in
Alana Valentine’s work.
This is much more than a guide for
aspiring writers: this is a book for anyone who loves theatre, its power
and its people.’ Neil Armfield AO
Currency Press | 978-1-92500-567-7 | Sales rights: worldwide, except Aust/NZ | PB
Author
ALANA VALENTINE’s most recent award nomination is the Nick Enright Prize for Drama (NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, 2017) for
Ladies Day. She is the recipient of two Errols (Tasmanian Theatre Awards, 2017) for
The Tree Widows, which was awarded Best Writing (Professional Production) and the overall Judges’ Award for her ‘creative integration of community, culture and heritage’. Alana was also nominated for an Errol for Best Director (Professional Production) for
The Tree Widows. In 2017 Alana is again working with Bangarra Dance Theatre as dramaturg on
Bennelong, after successful collaborations on their productions
Patyegarang and
ID.
Barbara and the Camp Dogs, co-written with Ursula Yovich, will be produced by Belvoir in December 2017. In November 2017, Venus Theatre Company (USA) will world premiere Alana’s play
The Ravens. An extensive national tour of
Letters to Lindy is planned for 2018. Alana’s website is www.alanavalentine.com.
By Alana Valentine, from Currency Press - see all
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