Blackbirds New Play Development Workshop: Next Steps

More than anything, last week's workshop of Blackbirds was fun. It was also empowering and deeply cathartic.  I mean, how could it not be? This play is full of magic, humor, the strength of women, and the power of friendship.

Now, don't get me wrong, the themes of the play are dark and urgent. I'm addressing the impact of the #MeToo movement in the hotel industry and what happens when women embody the very worst traits of the patriarchy and inflict pain on others. But over the course of the play, these women decide that enough is enough, and literally transform from victims to warrior goddesses. 

Our small, attentive audience were captivated by this cathartic and all to real journey. During the post reading discussions, there was such appreciation for the courage, passion, laughter through tears, and vulnerability of these women.  I'm so excited about this play and deeply appreciative of my director, dramaturg, and cast for their time, talent, and brilliant insight. The revisions are complete and is slowly making it's way to the desks of artistic directors and literary managers. 

As many of you know, over the next year and a half, I'll be writing five new plays. One is a commission and the other four have been funded by UNC's Institute for Arts and Humanities Faculty Fellowship and the University Research Council. Blackbirds is the first of these plays to be completed and workshopped. If last week was a sign for what's to come, then I'm in for quite a rich, wonderful, and productive ride! Of course, I'll keep you posted along the way. 

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Blackbirds Cast in Rehearsal