I write, a lot. It’s work, and it’s a hobby. I’ve even
dreamt about writing. In fact, I’m doing it right now. That means I end up
producing a lot of theatre. Sometimes it means I finish a play, read it, and relegate
it to a folder never to be seen by anyone ever again. It's better when that doesn't happen. I do remember an early play that had a ghost as the central character, I'm sure it's in a folder somewhere.
Photo by Sarah Candeland
My latest production is “Flame Trees” at Theatre Works in St
Kilda. I don’t say latest play, cause let’s face it, I’m working on 10 other
plays right now. “Flame Trees” is a play I’ve been wanting to write for years,
and as with many of my big dramas I go back and forth with it. I think I
probably wrote 15 pages a year for 4 years with this one. While I wasn’t always
writing it, it was always in that black abyss I call my brain, burning away,
thinking of new ways to carry on the story. I’m so glad I finally got it out
and onto the page, because it’s a script I’m very proud of.
I have had an obsession with the Australian Outback, and
continue it with this play. Bushfires have been the curse of many rural towns,
and the one in the centre of “Flame Trees” is no different. One particularly savage
fire ten years ago decimated the area and killed a young woman. A local woman,
Tess, confessed to setting the fire and went to prison. All these years later
she returns to town, and no one is very happy to see her. That’s the basic
premise of the play, but of course there’s a lot more than just that. At the
heart of the play is a relationship drama that poses the question, what do you
do when someone you love does something so hideously out of character? Often it
speaks to your own character, how you relate to those around you? My hope was
to make a raw and emotional drama with relatable characters and a story that
will keep the audience hooked.
The show is about to complete its debut run and audiences
seemed to have really enjoyed the play, both the production and my script. It
does give such amazing joy to me when people relate to the script. While I
write because I have a story to tell, of course I want others to enjoy it as
well.
So with just a few days to go, I’d ask if you’re in
Melbourne, to come and see this great little play with an explosive story and
an amazing cast – that just happens to feature me.
“Flame Trees” is on at Theatre Works St Kilda until Saturday
March 16. Remaining shows are 8pm and tickets and info can be found at www.theatreworks.org.au
