Sketch a day - Day 206/365

The world is mad. And I don't know how we can find ways to keep talking about it (because the madness isn't new and the desire to ignore the hard shit grows, daily) but somehow we have to.

We have to Keep talking about the the hard stuff we love and care about. I guess. But also keep trying to listen to other people's stories. That's what I am trying to think about.

So I am thinking a lot about Gaza and the ongoing horror there. Please do what you can. Write, protest, raise your voice.

And of course, I am thinking about my play, that I am rewriting right now.

Otherhood is about the experience of being child free /childless. Or that's the issue that gets explored. Through a story that's simply about humans. Issue plays are only ever any good if they are about humans, not ideas.

That's my feeling anyway (of course I can immediately think of some great exceptions to this rule).

But for me, fundementally it's about humans finding ways to listen to each other, move through grief, and see the world through a different lense. And so begin to change.

That's what I am striving for.

It's also my job to make it not shit &/or boring. Ie, not just thoughtful/thought provoking but also fun. Also known as it's my job to entertain and write the blue print for a good night out. Or at least, that's the job description I have given myself.

I think every writer kind of makes their own priorities and creates their own specific job title. But for me, that's the goal. To write something that I can hand to the director, the actors and the team making the show, which has a clear DNA of possibility running through it. That has the chance of moving people and delighting and surprisingly and challenging. For a little over an hour. That's it. That's the goal.

As you can see from my sketch of my face. Right now it's feeling tough going and I am tired. But I think the play is improving and I will get there.

We all will get there.

If we all keep going.

So, don't give up. Keep on talking about all the things you care about.

Thats all I have.

That's the news.