Category: Plays

Emilia Bassano Lanier and Hamlet

Portrait of an unidentified woman by Nicholas Hilliard, who many have suggested could be Emilia Bassano Lanier. Source: Wikipedia Commons (Public domain). Note: The three primary works which provide background for this essay are Shakespeare’s Dark Lady, by John Hudson, The Reckoning, by Charles Nicholl, and Four and Twenty Fiddlers, by Peter Holman. All should … Continue reading Emilia Bassano Lanier and Hamlet →

Another Mother World Premiere in August

​ My play, Another Mother, will have its world premiere at the 2017 Essential Theatre Festival, which starts July 28. My play premieres August 4, at the West End Performing Arts Center, directed by Peter Hardy. Another Mother tells the story of Genevieve Duchard, a young woman who learns that the circumstances of her birth … Continue reading Another Mother World Premiere in August →

Reflections on the Child Snatcher: Serial Blackface and the Atlanta Child Murders

  Wayne Bertram Williams, the chief suspect in the Atlanta Child Murders. Photo credit: Georgia Department of Corrections, found at Wikipedia; used here under the provisions of Fair Use.  I had the opportunity to see Serial Blackface, a world premiere play by Janine Nabers, at Actor's Express in Atlanta on Wednesday, 6 April. Serial Blackface … Continue reading Reflections on the Child Snatcher: Serial Blackface and the Atlanta Child Murders →

Killing Babies

As one develops as a writer, one becomes aware of the painful reality that not everything one writes, no matter how well-crafted or heartfelt, will see the light of day. In many cases, favorite phrases or passages must be sacrificed for the overall good of the piece. Improving the quality of the writing doesn't make … Continue reading Killing Babies →

Not a Love Song: The Tragedy of Juliet

Shakespeare's best known tragedy is the story of two star-crossed lovers, who, in death, end their families' conflict. Despite being hailed as a great romance, Romeo and Juliet is, in no way, a love story, but very much about individual responsibility and the consequences of making decisions in the heat of passion. Romeo is very … Continue reading Not a Love Song: The Tragedy of Juliet →

Minds of Their Own

Many years ago, when I was in high school, I saw a film talking about Ibsen's A Doll's House, which contained a quote from Ibsen on why Nora leaves at the end. While I don't recall the exact quote, he essentially said that once he knew the character, he knew leaving was her only course … Continue reading Minds of Their Own →