Once we would find storytellers sitting under a tree with pen and paper, digging through the story scrabble of consequences, conflicts and conquests. Most of those storytellers were men back in those old-timer days. It’s true to say that some of my most beloved stories were written by men and some of my favourite poetry also. Today some of my most loved books are written by women and poetry also.
Now as an author, playwright, screenwriter and mature woman I’m wiser. I have lived through the harsh judgments, the pain, the conflicts but also, the acknowledgments, the pleasure and the resolutions. The balance has been present for me though at times I couldn’t see it. The scales were unbalanced at different times throughout my life but balanced when I reflect back over the years.
Still sadly as I complete subjects based around (domestic violence and sociology) for my latest educational conquest, it pains me to read the statistics in both subjects. I’ve added just one of the many statistical articles that show only small increases in change over the years. This relates to “Trends in Houselod Work” and can be found here. So never before have days like International Women’s Day been so important. And never before has it been necessary for women to have a voice in books, film and theatre.
Recently I was given the opportunity to showcase my play titled, Crazy Plastic Love as a performance reading at The Arts Centre Gold Coast. There is no doubt this is a complex piece of work with pivotal point of view changes, conflict and real social family issues being played out in front of you. There is even a supernatural overtone woven into the mix of love, lies and the truth.
Now I’m known to be bold in my creative work. Some will like being challenged to think and others will not. But the most interesting feedback came from women saying they understood at least one of the pivotal pov shifts into other lives. Why? Because they have lived through the same or similar set of circumstances. Almost all of the women there understood each situation. Part of me was overjoyed because the story had connected with the audience but the other part knew I should pop the creative bubble to listen and acknowledge these women who so wished to share their experience with me. And I should mention I did have a few men who also pulled me aside to give their feedback on the play.
Much of the theatre work I will go on to create will fill a social awareness niche with a sound educational background to be the solid framework for the creative work. It’s very important that I continue to stay relevant in both my education and my creative concepts. We as women must continue to be brave and place our work in areas that can be seen and heard. Exposing the traps, the cages and the poison of malfunctioning thinking so we can flourish, collaborate and prosper in every industry.
So until next time… “Be brave and bold in your chosen field of creativity. And never be afraid to explore new techniques”
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