The Albatross

In 2013 I wrote three plays in Gary Henderson's Theatre Writing Course. One was produced and performed at the Basement Theatre in 2014, another one doesn't bear thinking about and the other is this one! "The Albatross".

It was workshopped in 2013 and then hidden away. I knew I still didn't have a play yet and some extra thought would be needed. It took a while but here came 2016. I chucked the original away and started almost a la white blank page again. I went to Sally Stockwell's Springboard Collective Meeting to get feedback. And then, I thought, a bit more. And then I went to a day workshop with Albert Belz. And wrote some more. Got confused. And then I rewrote some of it. And then I wondered why the hell is this so difficult? And then I rewrote some more. And sat for too long at a computer. And despite nerves and panic (prerequisites for playwriting!) assembled a story together. And here we are. Putting the damn thing on! Mind boggling, and exciting and wonderful as it is. 

I'm very lucky to have Alison Quigan come onboard as director and some wonderful acting talent agree to be part of this as well.

My play is part of a season of plays at Te Pou Theatre, New Lynn and comes under the umbrella of the Going West Book and Writers Festival.

We're asking for donations so we can pay the four wonderful actors, $250 each for their time and commitment to rehearsing and performing The Albatross.

The Albatross
It's World War II, and a Dunedin family grieves the loss of their son, Charlie. Alice, his sister, is particularly hard hit. She spends every day in his bedroom, disconnected from her mother, Margaret and father, Larry.
In 1943, 6000 soldiers came home to New Zealand on leave and Robert is one of them. He visits the family and reconnects with his past 'flame', Alice.
Perceived as the possible saviour to the family, Robert is welcomed with open arms and his marriage proposal to the shy and reserved Alice is the good news Margaret and Larry have been longing to hear. Things couldn't be going better, until Larry hears a dark rumour and the hope and promise of a bright future with Robert starts to unravel.
Margaret is determined to keep up appearances whatever the cost, and insists the marriage take place. Everyone, desperately clinging on to the illusion of happiness and hope, goes along with the plan, to the expense of the actual truth.

Directed by Alison Quigan

Margaret: 40s, played by Renee Sheridan
Larry: 50s, played by Alistair Browning
Robert: early 20s, played by Jack Buchanan
Alice: early 20s, played by Miryam Jacobi

Studio Season 2016: Strange & Wonderful
From Gary Henderson's Playwriting Graduate Studio
Going West Book and Writers Festival

Program B
45 minutes long
Friday 23 Sept 7:30pm, Sat 24 Sept 2pm, Sunday 25 Sept 7:30pm

Te Pou Theatre
44a Portage Rd
New Lynn
Auckland

Tickets $15-$20
Book at iticket.co.nz, 0508 ITICKET

Lovely. Thanks. Cheers, Cath.