Excerpts from Paula Vogel workshop

Playwright Paula Vogel changed my life this weekend. I was fortunate enough to be invited to her Playwright's Boot Camp.

Here was my answer to one of her koan assignments. I believe that I failed, but that is the point I think.

ASSIGNMENT (15 mins allowed)
Write a short play that cannot be produced.


Life story of a Philadelphia Theater Critic
a short play, by Bruce Walsh
 

                                                Woman giving birth:

                                               

35-year-old theater critic appears, naked, small penis, looks at mother

THEATER CRITIC

Yeah, pretty much what I expected. 

                                                SHIFT: Arkansas

THEATER CRITIC

Pretty much what I expected.

                                                SHIFT: Moscow

THEATER CRITIC

Pretty much what I expected.

                                                SHIFT: The moon.

THEATER CRITIC

I saw this on TV.

                                                SHIFT: Having sex with a woman

THEATER CRITIC

Could you move your hips, please?

                                                SHIFT: Standing before God

THEATER CRITIC

I have a movie idea I want to pitch you.

THE END

                                                 

VICTORY!

Wanted to thank Juma for being so open with his process; Gabi, for being a fun interview as always; Makoto, for giving me 26 minutes, when he was already late to rehearsal; Neal Santos, for a totally fun visual; and every dancer that has ever allowed me into their rehearsal room. A dancer is a being connected to generosity in a way few of us can approach. Just try to find a dancer that tips less than 20%.

Go hold a paper copy in your hands (they're free)! Here's a link for out-of-towners and lazy Philadelphians.