Time to wonder about the mystery of Easter. I wrote a short play about it. (I don't have any illusions - I'm sure it's too minimilast for the 21st century. (Oh why oh why did Samuel Beckett die?! Couldn't he just have quietly taken a break??). Anywhere, here it is:
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BRIEF CANDLE
A short piece of theatre for Easter
by Shaun Spock
The stage is in darkness, but for a candle.
Enter MAN
MAN: Out. (Then, with great effort) Out, I say.
He blows on the candle. It gutters briefly, then expires.
A low sigh sussurates throughout the darkened auditorium.
A distant fanfare. Then -
A silence.
Very slow curtain.
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A confession. This (as I term it) playlet was partly inspired by my reaction to the Boxing Day tsunami, an act of nature so devastating and - for me - upsetting that I could scarce put pen to paper. The fact that it has taken me over three months demonstrates the exquisite pain I suffered to dramatise the essentially undramatic (my italics). I have submitted it to the National Theatre, but I can't pretend any great hope: I suspect it is simply too brief for major subsidy or production (although I do see Jim Broadbent as "The Man".) I would welcome your comments.
Oh yes, still no word about my MFA. I refuse to get alarmed or despondent. September is still some months away.
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2 comments:
Surely Christopher Ecclestone is the only actor that should be considered for the demanding role of 'The man'? Only he would bring the requisite dour, humourless self-involvement blended with desperate panto gurning to denote 'eccentricity' for the kiddies - demonstrated so ably in his ground-breaking characterisation of 'the Doctor'. What a majestic performance! Who of those of us that saw it will ever forget the truth and sincerity of the 'fighting the rubber hand' scene? I find myself weeping uncontrollably at the mere memory. Long may he play the role... Oops! Too late. A nation mourns.
Still, every cloud has a silver lining and at least he's now available for your moving and innovative piece!
Thankyou, Baron Troon. You are right - apart from the great alopecian Patrick Stewart who else could possibly handle such a taxing role??? I still hope that Jim Broadbent will be free (should the RNT take up the option of course!!!): he would bring a refreshing 'common man' (my apostrophes) approach which might ameliorate the soi-disant 'froideur' (sic) of the piece... But you're right, Chris would be a great 2nd or even 3rd choice if it ever went to telly!!! Thanks for posting!!!
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