Mixing it up a little!

Although I've posted about my writing, it has mainly to do with my books or short stories, so this time I have decided to share another aspect to my writing life, play-writing.
Often through the years, I have written short stories that lent themselves to being a good plot for a play. I didn't know how to go about planning and scripting a play, but that didn't stop me, I shared my views with some writing friends and hey presto, I was soon writing plays.
My first play, a short 15 minute story was my introduction to seeing my work on stage. It was titled Something about Her and I entered it in to the Claremorris Fringe Festival for short work. To my delight it was chosen and it got shown along with others in the festival. I was thrilled to say the least. I got the bug for seeing my words come alive on stage and it was addictive to say the least.

Blessed is he among women!!

Then an opportunity came up to be mentored for a year by director and playwright, John Sheehy of CallBack Theatre, (http://callbacktheatre.com/ ). A chance not to be missed, I signed up along with Marie O'Halloran (http://marieohalloran.blogspot.co.uk/ )  and Mary Anne Bartlett and Mary Angland  (https://maryangland.wordpress.com/ ) 
We had a ball, meeting monthly at first and then weekly as our years mentoring came close to finishing. Each of us worked on our own individual plays. By sharing and reading each others work and listening to John's advice, we enjoyed the experience no end. The year ended on our four plays having a two night rehearsed readings open to the public at Friars Gate Theatre in Co. Limerick. My play was titled Forgive Me Father. The other plays being Coffee Break, Who won the War, and All Grown Up. Both nights had full houses, once more the buzz of seeing your words alive was thrilling.
The following year, under John's mentor-ship, we decided to tackle the task of writing one play by the four of us. Not an easy thing to make work as we had such individual styles in writing. It was time consuming but we were comitted to the project. A lot of editing, rewriting, talking, cups of tea and coffee, laughter, and misunderstandings. But all worth it as our play, Catching The Train, was performed in Friars Gate Theatre, directed by Mandy Donworth. It played to a full house for two nights.
I have since gone on to see The Bench, a 15 min play, be a part of the Kanturk Arts Festival theatre night. I hope to see another, Too Late, be read in the same arts festival in March of this year.
I would strongly encourage you to try other writing projects, even if they are outside your comfort zone. It opens up your mind and self to new ways of thinking when new characters and plots come knocking at the usual 2 or 3 in the morning, while you try to sleep.

First festival down, bring on the next!

Happily chatting to the crowd. 

My afternoon date on Saturday the 19th. March, to speak about my writing life at Kanturk Arts Festival 2016 went so well. I really enjoyed it, yes I was a little nervous to start but then I relaxed and I was off. Those that know me will tell you, once I get talking, I can go forever!
But honestly, it was wonderful. I chatted, the audience asked questions, we shared and ran over the time allotted. This was my first time speaking at a festival and I so thoroughly enjoyed it. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to share with others about why I write and what it means to me.

It was indeed a busy weekend and while I was there, I came across a talented man who sculpted wood with a chainsaw. It was amazing to watch this man at work. I have placed a few photos of his great work here. He created birds and animals. It was magical to watch him work.

Chainsaw Sculpture

Check out his work at the following link:
www.le-cheile.com and click on Fear na coillte.

Chainsaw Sculpture

 The following evening, the 20th, at the festival, I even had my fifteen minutes of fame at the poetry slam evening when a lovely lady approached me and asked me was I, Mary Bradford the writer? I said yes, and she told me she recognised me from Facebook. I was delighted. Plus she had read my book and loved it. So one festival down, bring on the next one!