by Michelle Fadem
On June 21st, after spending 4 years writing and re-writing a play of mine, I sent out a draft to 5 of my most trusted friends/colleagues, all of whom had either expressed interest in reading this play and/or had been avid readers of my work in the past. When specifically asked if they had time to read and critique, all answers were a resounding, ‘yes.’ Nearly a month later, and I still have yet to get any comments back. My friends have also resorted to avoiding me in general (some of this is just how I feel, but a few actually confirmed that this was true). It puts me in a very uncomfortable position of disappointment and anger with people that I deeply love and respect.
It takes a lot to let one’s ‘baby’ out into the world. It is my belief that all writers are aware of the impending anticipation and nerves that come along with giving out a script/text to someone. And the longer it’s floating out there in never-never-land, the worse it gets. So, 24 days later, not a word written, and currently creatively stumped by my own question that an outside voice may be able to shed light on, I am at a loss. It is often difficult to depend on people in general, and to add the writer’s vulnerability to that, again just brings me to anger. I even went to so far as to send a reminder email, stressing the knowledge of busy schedules/lives/careers/personal dramas, and again requesting insights. That was last week and I didn’t as so much get a response to the email.
The truth of the matter is, if the roles had been reversed (and they have been) I would have read the script and commented back within the week, if not within the day. This community setup is mutually beneficial, but has recently felt one-sided. I don’t know the solution to this conundrum. Do our trusted writing comrades fade with time? Are we to solely rely on paid comments from dramaturges (not that I’m against this at all)? Not everyone can read a play, although most can be educated audience members. What do we as emerging playwrights do when no production is in sight, you’ve had the readings, you’ve done the re-writes, and you need one last critique? Maybe the Dramaturges of the world need even more respect than we give them. And maybe we need to set aside money for times like these. Or, maybe, just maybe faith in our friends will overcome after all. Fingers still crossed; just needed to vent.
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