Unexpected Inspiration

Beth Graham
WWPT Resident Dramaturg and Lee Playwright-In-Residence at the University of Alberta Department of Drama

Over the course of last season, I had the pleasure of hosting a group of playwrights (over zoom) every Sunday afternoon from September until May for The Edmonton Playwrights’ Circle, a program supported by Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre and The University of Alberta’s Drama Department. I cannot take credit for the program’s inception as The Edmonton Playwrights’ Circle was begun in 2014 by another playwright, Colleen Murphy, during her time at the University as the Lee Playwright-In-Residence and continued by playwright Meg Braem during her residency in 2017. I followed in Colleen and Meg’s footsteps and I am very glad to have had the opportunity to continue the circle. The goal of The Edmonton Playwrights’ Circle was to serve the needs and interests of Edmonton writers as they created and developed their new plays. We met as a group of colleagues, on a drop-in basis, in an effort to encourage, challenge, and commiserate. The first meeting was spent discussing the needs of the group so that we could determine how the writing would best be served. In that meeting, we came up with the plan that writers would bring in their new writing to be read aloud by members of the group and, then, if the playwright wanted feedback, the group would provide it. We laid out guidelines around how feedback would be given so as not to overwhelm the playwright (my biggest fear). Together, we came up wth a ‘code of conduct’ for giving feedback to playwrights which recognized the vulnerable position of the playwright who was sharing their work (often for the first time). We hoped to approach the work with curiosity rather than judgement. It was important for us to recognize the playwright was the authority on their own work and could use their reading and feedback time as they saw fit. The ‘code’ encouraged questions, observations, and constructive criticism from those giving feedback. The group even came up with a phrase the playwright could use when they felt the need to conclude their session. The phrase was “Thanks, I’m full.” Once the phrase was used, discussion would cease and we would move on. The overall aim, we decided, was to INSPIRE. When the program began I really didn’t know what to expect. Would writers attend? Would they feel comfortable enough to share their work? Would I have to mediate feedback? Would it work over zoom? The results surprised and delighted me. We became an adhoc community. There were regular attendees and new writing was shared every week, often by more than one writer. The playwrights took risks. New and exciting voices emerged. Feedback was given with care and insight. I can’t speak for the other writers but I looked forward to each and every session. As the faces of the attendees popped up on my computer screen, I felt a little less alone during a strange time. For two hours, we talked about the craft of playwriting and shared our skills. At the end of each session, as we disappeared from the screen, the effect of witnessing the work and bravery of the other writers still lingered. And then the best thing of all happened: I felt inspired to return with renewed vigour to my own writing. What a gift! And so, I am pleased to say that Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre will continue to support The Edmonton Playwrights’ Circle again this coming year. May the writing continue!