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Apr 28, 2006

STRESS

I have to admit I'm getting a little stressed out. All this planning for productions and attending writing groups and school while holding down a 9-5 job is getting to be a bit overwhelming. Not that I'm complaining. Because the Nerve rehearsal I attended recently blew me away. It's all the other stuff--these problems that come up that have to be solved one way or another. How am I going to go to rehearsals in DC and when? Because I maay be rehearsing here at the same time or in Vermont. Also I'm expected to show up to work probably. Not to mention that I have to rewrite for these July productions.

and then the idea of getting reviewed is freaking me out a little. and part of this is my belief that the big paper--you know the one I mean--the big paper doesn't get comedy--and of course that's a generalization and there are some good and even great writers working there but I'm afraid I'm going to get squashed if they come at all. Because every play I've seen in the last two years that I loved--everytime I said Fuck I want to make theatre like that--the play got squashed by the big paper.

Apr 26, 2006

From International Herald Tribune

http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file=/articles/2006/04/25/opinion/edzbig.php But there are four compelling reasons against a preventive air attack on Iranian nuclear facilities: 1. In the absence of an imminent threat (with the Iranians at least several years away from having a nuclear arsenal), the attack would be a unilateral act of war. If undertaken without formal Congressional declaration, it would be unconstitutional and merit the impeachment of the president. Similarly, if undertaken without the sanction of the UN Security Council either alone by the United States or in complicity with Israel, it would stamp the perpetrator(s) as an international outlaw(s). 2. Likely Iranian reactions would significantly compound ongoing U.S. difficulties in Iraq and in Afghanistan, perhaps precipitate new violence by Hezbollah in Lebanon, and in all probability cause the United States to become bogged down in regional violence for a decade or more to come. Iran is a country of some 70 million people and a conflict with it would make the misadventure in Iraq look trivial. 3. Oil prices would climb steeply, especially if the Iranians cut their production and seek to disrupt the flow of oil from the nearby Saudi oil fields. The world economy would be severely impacted, with America blamed for it. Note that oil prices have already shot above $70 per barrel, in part because of fears of a U.S./Iran clash. 4. America would become an even more likely target of terrorism, with much of the world concluding that America's support for Israel is itself a major cause of the rise in terrorism. America would become more isolated and thus more vulnerable while prospects for an eventual regional accommodation between Israel and its neighbors would be ever more remote.

Apr 25, 2006

Come see my play Nerve

Packawallop Productions presents Nerve Tuesday, May 16, 2006 through Saturday, June 03, 2006 A dark romantic comedy about falling into a relationship on the first date. Length: 1 hr 20 mins Elliot has never had an online date before . . . at least one that showed up. Susan has had plenty but would prefer not to discuss them. When they meet in a bar one night, all their neuroses come out. So do a puppet, some modern dance and surprising twist or two. Buy Tickets More Information

From Edward Albee interview

I’ve read that you used to skip your own premieres. Yes—if I could find a Monty Python movie, I would go there. I do think Fawlty Towers is one of the greatest television series. Right now, I’m deeply enamored of a really bad show called That ’70s Show. It’s fucking funny. I’ve been examining the reruns of Seinfeld very, very carefully. I think I admire the skill of what they were doing more than the thing itself.

Read Chris Durang's new article

check the blogroll on the right peeps.

from an email my union sent me

Here are some of the reasons UAW members have expressed in opposition to the war....

* The war has killed 2300 US troops -- children, friends and relatives -- and maimed 20,000 more. * The war has killed 100,000 of the Iraqi people. * We're spending billions on war costs instead on job creation, health care and education. * The war is a smokescreen for an assault on working people: tax breaks for the rich, and cutbacks in health care, pensions and jobs for the rest of us. * Millions of our tax dollars have been spent on Bush's corporate cronies. * Iraqi people have been left unemployed, without schools or hospitals, with women's rights and unions under attack. * National Guard and Reserve members have been taken from their jobs and families for indefinite service. * Our civil liberties and labor rights are threatened and the US constitution undermined.

Apr 24, 2006

http://www.madcapplayers.com/

As part of the Capital Fringe Festival Madcap Players presents the world premiere of PRETTY THEFT by Adam Szymkowicz directed by Christopher Snipe

July 23-30, 2006

Canadian Embassy 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001

ALL TICKETS ARE $15

Capital Fringe Festival Box Office Opens Monday, July 10, 2006

new scene (first draft, mind you)

(Enter ELISE carrying a bag.)

ELISE I’m sorry I’m late.

CARRIE Oh, that’s OK.

ELISE Are you all right?

CARRIE Fine, why do you ask?

ELISE You’re sweating a lot.

CARRIE I’m fine.

ELISE Something horrible’s happened. There was a woman in the building I set on fire. I’ve always been very careful. I watch out for my boys, you know and make sure no one gets burned or sprains even a fingertip. It’s not easy. It’s a dangerous job but so far I’ve been successful but then some woman dressed like a banker goes into condemned building I’m burning down. What was she doing there?

CARRIE So what you’re saying is that you burned down the building? The one on the news where the woman was taken out on a stretcher?

ELISE Are you listening to me?

CARRIE Isn’t that what you said?

ELISE Of course that’s what I said.

CARRIE I just wanted to be sure that’s what you said.

ELISE What’s with you?

CARRIE Nothings with me. (Pause) My husband was just here.

ELISE Stop talking about your husband.

CARRIE (Louder) I enjoy talking about my husband. I am fascinated by all topics related to my HUSBAND.

ELISE Can we get back to the session?

CARRIE Yes, I . . . What does a cockatoo sound like?

ELISE I don’t think I should come here anymore.

CARRIE You don’t?

ELISE I don’t think you’re helping me.

CARRIE Of course I am. You really don’t think I’m helping you.

ELISE Well, I’m still setting fires.

CARRIE But you’re in a relationship now. That’s going well.

ELISE Only because I lie to him when he brings up his arson investigations.

CARRIE Sure, but apart from t hat, it’s going well isn’t it? I mean we all have our secrets. KUH KAW!!

ELISE What are you doing?

CARRIE KAW KAW! COCK A DOODLE DOO!!

ELISE Stop that.

CARRIE Sorry. I’m going to go into the hall for a minute.

ELISE What’s goin’ on?

CARRIE Nothing.

ELISE The cops are out there, aren’t they?

CARRIE I told you to stop setting fires. I warned you. I told you someone would get hurt.

ELISE You bitch!

(ELISE slaps CARRIE.)

CARRIE Ow. Help!

ELISE Where are they? In the hallway? You can’t hear anything in the hallway. Otherwise all your patients would know all the other patient’s secrets.

CARRIE I know, but, HELP!

ELISE Stop that.

CARRIE Someone has to stop you.

ELISE Well, it won’t be you.

(ELISE takes a gas can from her bag and starts pouring gas in a line on the floor.)

CARRIE My rug! What are you doing?

ELISE What do you think I’m doing?

CARRIE This is my office.

ELISE You’re fired.

(ELISE lights a match and throw it on the ground which goes up in flames*)

(CARRIE stands there a moment in shock while ELISE climbs out the window.)

(CARRIE then runs into the hall screaming. A few seconds later GARY TOMMY and JIMMY burst into the room followed by CARRIE. GARY has an extinguisher and puts out the fire.)

GARY Where’d she go?

CARRIE Down the fire escape.

Apr 21, 2006

Mon the 24th in LosAngeles my short play "America at War"

PARTY TO FAVOR

Got a case of the Mondays? Or is it the incessant stupidity and arrogance of our leaders that's bringing you down? In either case, you need some cheering, and doubtless a drink. Fortunately, tonight radical troupers Third Man Productions have teamed up with the Young Progressive Majority organization to entertain, enliven, and inebriate you with "The Political Party," which includes a live theater show with plenty of political satire, plus music, dancing, and drinking. "It doesn't matter if you're a part of the Democratic or Republican party; the bottom line is, our party serves tequila," say producer Jonathan Caren. Billed as "a benefit for your benefit," this party wants YOU! 8 p.m. $8. The Derby, 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Feliz. Info: Thirdmanproductions.com or Goypm.org.

Apr 20, 2006

Nerve this May!!

In New York. Don't miss it.

A play in Boston

Devanaughn Theatre proudly presents the 4th Annual Dragonfly Festival May 4 – 21, 2006 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday Matinees at 3 pm at the Piano Factory, 791 Tremont Street Rear, In Boston’s Historic South End Press Nights: Every Friday, May 5, 12, and 19 23 New Plays… Burst Into Life… Startle the Senses… Ignite the Imagination…
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at
www.theatermania.com or 1.866.811.4111 Reservations Strongly Recommended. More Info: 617.247.9777 Discounted Series Passes Also Available: $25 (2 Weeks) or $30 (Entire Festival) 4th Annual Dragonfly Festival Line Up Each week of the festival includes 7 or 8 new plays. Each play performs all 4 shows each week: Thurs/Fri/Sat 8 pm and Sunday Matinees 3 pm
Week A: May 4, 5, 6 & 7 A Fresh Start, by Peter Snoad, directed by Louisa Richards When anarchy rules the world, what’s the key to salvation? Poetry or makeovers? The Elevator, by Jerry Thompson, directed by Andrew Sarno An arrogant, self centered corporate CEO more than meets his match while stuck in an elevator with a Latino carpenter. The Gorf, by Jon Busch, directed by John O’Brien Four friends attempt to cope with the benevolent dictatorship of a mysterious, omnipresent political leader. Just Like That, by Beth Newhall, directed by Louisa Richards Sometimes life's biggest changes come in the smallest moments. Reunion, by Theodore Rickard, directed by Lisa Rafferty An old love affair is recalled -- not too fondly, but too well. Shades, by Mark Harvey Levine, directed by Sarah Friedberg A single moment in time, looked at from many different angles. Plus it's got monkeys. Soon, by William Donnelly, directed by Ava Geffen In this snapshot of a May-December romance, a seemingly joyful present is interrupted by glimpses of an illicit past and a dark future. Trevor Waits, by Rich Herstek, directed by Sarah Friedberg For thirty years, an old man has been desperately in love with someone he has never seen, never spoken to and never had the nerve to approach. Someone he knows only by her piano playing. Week B: May 11, 12, 13 & 14 Black Ops, by William Donnelly, directed by Heather McNamara A mysterious man receives ominous instructions from a shadowy colleague – all in a day's work. Breakfast with Harvey, by Andrew Clarke, directed by Rose Carlson An actor and his personal assistant are in need of the most important meal of the day. A comedy in the Elizabethan style with Xanax and hatred. Destinations, by Robert Scott Sullivan, directed by Chris Cavalier Funny thing about temptation...it takes you places you never thought you'd go Flight Pending, by Robert Mattson, directed by David Behrstock Attractive woman traveling alone seeks solitude, but this guy didn't get the memo. The flight boards at 8:00, but he was loaded at 6:15. Last Call, by Myra Slotnick, directed by Elizabeth Deveney A play about Drinking, Dialing and Deliverance. My Name Is Art, by Peter Snoad, directed by Lau Lapides High-brow, low-brow, or just plain crap, Art is never quite what it seems. The Ravages of Sunlight, by Matt Mayerchak, directed by Fred Robbins It’s two a.m., and you’re drinking in your hotel room with the woman from the trade show. Everything is perfect, except for that little voice inside your head. A play about sex, morals and prefab housing. Superhero, by Mark Harvey Levine, directed by Barlow Adamson Leonard thinks he's a Superhero, and Rachel knows he'll keep coming back as long as she comes up with new ways to be rescued. Week C: May 18, 19, 20 & 21 Amy & John: One, Two, Three, written and directed by Sean David Bennett A playwright's attempt to exorcise the grief and pain that comes whenever we lose someone we love. Breakfast with Warhol, by Christopher Lockheardt, directed by Randy Marquis For some, Warhol's famous prediction was a warning; for others, a promise. Existential Love, by Jonathon Myers, directed by Michael Haddad As philosopher Jean-Paul attempts to negotiate his relationship with fellow philosopher Simone at a café in mid-20th century Paris, he finds that the soul is at a loss against the intellect. Gaslit, by Judith Pratt, directed by Lau Lapides A sleek corporate pirhana and a paranoid burnout seek clarity and competitive advantage until their key collaborative partnership turns into an actual wrestling match. But which one is lying? Paradise Proper, by Rich Herstek, directed by Michael Haddad For some people, the suburbs are Heaven. But what if Heaven was like the suburbs? Snow, by Adam Szymkowicz, directed by Tim Rubel Adrift in a snowstorm in New York. Team Player, by Dale Andersen, directed by Lisa Rafferty A trophy wife must choose: life or death? Special Guests include… Alice Hunter, On-e-On Dance: www.oneon.org Katie McD, Gaelic Singer/Songwriter: www.katiemcdgirl.com Michael Norsworthy, Clarinetist: www.michaelnorsworthy.com Michelle Doyle, Clarinetist

from production of Sad in CA

MissMadMad

Last night I saw the Naked Angels show, Mistakes Madeline Made and was blown away. You need to see it. I was extremely impressed with Evan Cabnet's direction and hope I get to work with him again soon.

The actors were incredible, especially Laura Heisler, but really all of them are just outstanding and funny and sympathetic.

But the play, god, the play is really really good. It made me rexamine my own work, which I'm still doing. It was humbling. I hope Liz Meriwether is proud.

But seriously, go see this show while it's running. It's an example of where I hope theatre is going.

Apr 19, 2006

this Wed

I took a workshop with P Vogel at the Flea a month or two ago and it was very inspirational in many ways but one thing that she said that I'm thinking about a great deal was that we have to stick together as playwrights. We have to form groups and support each other and I think that's partially what this blog thing is about for me.

It's about getting angry and about getting excited about things going on in our theatre world and then sharing it with one another and talking about it incessantly.

I do most of my talking (ranting) offline with theatre friends and in my playwright groups but I just wanted to say I appreciate the intelligent talk and the outrage and the joy expressed here in the blogworld.

That's all. Thanks.

Apr 17, 2006

pulitzer part 3

I'm changing my name to "No Winner" and putting this year's pulitzer on my resume. or do they name the play. I could write a play called "No Winner."

and the winner is

No One!

http://www.pulitzer.org/

Double P

Today they announce the Pulitzer. Normally I wouldn't know this but it's taking place in the building in which I work as an indentured photocopier/mail merger.

I am excited to find out who won and also at the same time entirely jaded about it. I imagine it will go to a naturalistic domestic drama type play about an important topic that is touched on in an unimportant way.

Not to say that recent winners aren't good plays--because they are...it's just that they're all a certain kind of play...a certain kind of play I can't really get excited about.

I don't know who is up for the award and can't think of a play that should get it. Who do you think should get it? (Of course by the time you comment, everyone will know who won.)

postcard to print and tape to your forehead

Apr 14, 2006

everything is burnable at a high enough temperature

from an email I received

I'm passing along a belated announcement about Youngblood's TRUE LIFE STORY OF [YOUR NAME HERE] - we're currently holding on auction on eBay, the winner of which will have their life story written up by the Youngblood playwrights, to be performed at the Brick Theater's $ELLOUT FESTIVAL this June. The auction ends on Monday at 9:00am and the bidding is already up to $260. If you know anyone with disposable income and a burning desire to see their life played out on stage, please pass it along! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6620300570

A quiet friday in new york

Apr 13, 2006

I'm working under these assumptions

It's about continuing, isn't it, this playwriting thing. Not stopping and persevering and keeping on and not stopping and sending out and talking up and hiring pr and writing and writing and writing.

And then eventually stuff works out, right? not necessarily the stuff you think will work out or the stuff you want really badly but stuff all the same and sometimes if you keep it up you get somewhere you've been wanting to get, right?

Apr 12, 2006

It's not too early to buy tickets to Nerve. Packawallop Productions presents the world premiere of NERVE, a new play by Adam Szymkowicz. Directed by Scott Ebersold, the production stars Susan O'Connor and Travis York. Previews begin May 16th at Urban Stages with opening night scheduled for Sunday, May 21st. NERVE is a dark romantic comedy about falling into a relationship on the first date. Elliot has never had an online date before... at least one that showed up. Susan has had plenty but would prefer not to discuss them. When they meet in a bar one night, all their neuroses come out. So do a puppet, some modern dance and surprising twist or two. The production features sets by Nicholas Vaughn (winner, Best Set Design FringeNYC 2005), costumes by Jessica Watters, lighting by Josh Bradford, sound by Brian Hallas and choreography by Wendy Seyb. NERVE runs May 16 - June 3, Tuesdays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and Sundays at 4pm with an added show Weds June 24 at 8pm. Urban Stages is located at 259 West 30th Street (between 7th and 8th Aves., accessible from the #1 train at 28th Street). Tickets are $15, available at 212-868-4444 or www.smarttix.com.

Apr 11, 2006

from Nerve photo shoot photographer Greg Emetaz

My play Nerve coming in May. Hope to see you there.

first draft of a new scene for tuesday

(Bedroom. Night. JAKE snores in bed. ELISE is partially dressed.)

ELISE I could stay. I could stay. Oh, but the light and the heat and the smell, oh the smell. But I could stay. He has smells. He has heat. He has other fine attributes.

The light. The sound of a scraping match. Acetone. Gasoline. Kerosene. The dripping. The pain in the eyes. The light. The heat. The billows of smoke. We have too many buildings, don’t you think? Too many construction sites, empty warehouses, all so much fuel. It’s a service to take away these extra dangerous buildings. They are in the way, they are dry and cracked and falling down and they need a good match, a good flame a cleansing of the palate, a cleansing of the city.

But I could stay and climb into his arms and breathe his foul comfort of a breath. I could cling to his beliefs in right and wrong and the law. I could warm myself on his broad back, lick the back of his neck, put my small hand around his trigger finger.

But there’s the light. There’s the heat. There is love and there is love and there are things that I need. And I . . .

(ELISE starts to leave, stops, kisses him on the forehead.)

ELISE Good night.

(JAKE stops snoring. ELISE exits.)

JAKE Elise?

Apr 10, 2006

How theatre should be

This is from my fellow playwright and pal, Larry Kunofsky

PLAYWRIGHTS IN BIZZARRO-WORLD a dialogue from the obscure and cultually irrelevant Adam Szymkowicz and Larry Kunofsky

-Szymkowicz, dear boy, I read the first four of the six plays you've written this week and I'll produce two of them. Will read the others after my nine shows close.

-I do believe you're cracking wise again, Kunofsky, old man. Your shows will NEVER close. Just like mine. Pavers of the new theatrical rennaissance that we are. So. How goes it?

-Spielberg keeps calling about that screenplay he's begging me for. But why take the pay cut? The masses are begging for more plays.

-How tiresome! Supposedly I've been nominated by someone named "Oscar?" for some award by some academy for some film I wrote as a kind of charity thing. It was almost pro-bono, relatively speaking. I can't take time away from my work for any award unless it's another one of those Obies we keep winning.

-L.A. is bad for one's health anyway. Not that it matters, since we both have health insurance, of course.

-Oh speaking of work, wait: Let me go fill out my time sheet. Oh, wait yet again, I don't have to, since I MAKE A LIVING AS A PLAYWRIGHT hahahahaha!!! Say hello to Natalie Portman for me.

-I will. She's in the hot tub, waiting for me right now. Cheerio. l

A question

I am having a couple plays coming up--plays that will be reviewed. I have had few reviews of my plays thus far and I'm both looking forward to being reviewed and also dreading it.

Some writers and actors have told me they don't read their reviews. I don't know if I can control my curiousity enough to do that but in the end I think it might be better for my sanity.

At the same time, I know there are review writers out there trying to help playwrights not make the same mistakes over and over. So maybe it would be good to read some reviews.

But not if they make me freeze up and dread writing.

I don't know. Do you read your reviews?

Apr 7, 2006

From The Onion

From The Onion

Friends Always On Best Behavior Around Neil LaBute March 23, 2005 | Issue 41•12

FORT WAYNE, IN—Personal acquaintances of acclaimed playwright and filmmaker Neil LaBute reported Tuesday that they keep their behavior in check when around him. "You get in one stupid argument with your wife in front of the guy, and the next thing you know, you're an emotionally abusive misogynist in theaters nationwide," said Terrence Wydell, one of LaBute's former classmates. "With Neil, it's best to limit the conversation to the weather and current events." LaBute is reportedly at work on The Act Of Lending, a play about a character named Terrence who borrows DVDs through intimidation and verbal cruelty, with no intention of ever returning them.

Apr 6, 2006

I have to put in my two cents about Cataract

You should go see it. It is not by any means perfect but it is well worth your time. I think what Lisa and Katie are doing is exciting and that all theatre should not necessarily be an off broadway version of TV.

Especially if you are a theatre person, you should go see it. Because Lisa has a worthwhile and exciting voice that should be heard and the actors are incredible and it's theatrical and different and good.

I'm not even writing real words anymore

Becuse w gnows fhg in dreamsy org Lief ye fryg fhg japst oh gjorey er godd le plapple undre scorry Tudey is Thrusdey and E em tiiired

Apr 5, 2006

I fashioned a heart from the blunt end of my knife. i fashioned a cord from the lost fkdsglksvn blah

I am tired and cold and overcome with not being overcome at all. it is fashionable and deadly and I am off to work for moments and seconds and a day of gray time and photocopying.

Am I wasting my time on this earth doing the wrong thing.? I wonder this. am I not writing right or am I supposed to be doing something else or this but better?

Apr 4, 2006

today, tomorrow and all week

My time is parceled out. 7 1/2 hours to sleep. 2 hours to wake up, shower, get dressed, write a scene, drink some tea, eat some toast and leave. one hour to commute to my job. 15 minutes to email before starting to work. one hour of lunch. Leave work early? Have to make up for it another day. Run to rehearse reading at Juilliard. An hour to rehearse a 90 minute play. Well, less than an hour because someone will be late and they need time before the reading starts. 40 minutes to rehearse. 25 minutes to be nervous before the reading. 90 minutes to watch the reading. 30 or so minutes to talk about the reading with the people who have stayed. By then it's 9 or 9:30. time for a drink? not If I want 7 1/2 hours of sleep. maybe just one. well, maybe another one too. I'll just set my alarm to a later time. and I won't write tomorrow. and I will be half awake for work. I will sleep on my lunch break. I will sleep through the play I will see tomorrow. I will sleep through dinner. i will not sleep. i will write.

Apr 2, 2006

ist draft of new scene--plot, plot, plot

LIZ I’m sure you know that our drop site was compromised last night. GARY No, I didn’t know. LIZ You didn’t know that the building in which you hid the documents for me to find burned down last night? GARY It did? LIZ You didn’t know this. GARY No, I didn’t. LIZ We find that hard to believe. GARY It’s true. LIZ It just so happens that you’re late getting us some information and then it so happens that when you do drop it off, the place burns down? GARY Odd, isn’t it? LIZ I don’t suppose you have a copy of this information we’re waiting on. GARY No, of course not. It could be traced back to me. Destroy any evidence you said—make only one copy. LIZ I know what I said. GARY It will take a while for me to get information like that again. LIZ You know what we think? We think you’re trying to sever ties with us. GARY No. No. LIZ You know you can’t do that, right? We sever ties with you, not the other way around. GARY I understand. LIZ And you don’t want us to sever ties with you if you catch my meaning. GARY What do you mean? LIZ Never mind what I mean. GARY But. LIZ You know what I mean. GARY Yes. But I didn’t start the fire. I swear. LIZ We find that hard to believe. GARY I’m going to find out who started that fire and then you’ll see. LIZ You are, are you? GARY Yes. LIZ OK, I’ll give you a couple days. Bring this arsonist to us and if we believe you we’ll go easy on you. But in the meantime, get that long overdue information to us. GARY I’ll try. LIZ You do that. And if I don’t see results early next week, I’m going to send someone to come find you. You don’t want that. GARY You won’t have to do that. LIZ Good. I’m glad we understand one another. It was good to meet you in Austria and good to see you again this evening. GARY Yes, I so enjoyed the orchestra and reacquainting myself with you. (Exit GARY.)