Words from Inside the Process

THE CONTRACT: Creating a play in Collaboration
by Linda Giuliano

I joined AXIAL Theatre in the creation of a play about family, titled, The Contract. I was intrigued by the idea of developing a play through group improvisation…. But, I must confess, the task for a writer who is accustomed to work alone at her desk was at times daunting. To create in this way is like being a surgeon and all the body parts have a voice about where to make the incision. It requires getting out of one's way. But as time went on I became enthralled and ingnited witnessing the raw energy and craft of each actor and the opportunity to collaborate with playwright and company director, Howard Meyer. Steve Murphy's music created another compelling feature in the discovery of the play.

The company is a group dedicated to the process of discovery. The conception of the play began with photo images, music and improvisations which led to establishing characters, making emotional connections, writing monologues and more improvisations. Each piece led to patches of pictures and words quilted together to become scenes. The story and the play emerged as one audience member observed at the workshop production, "like a photograph, slowly developing." It was somehow fitting for a process that began with photographs.

I had a thrilling time being in the audience at the presentation of the workshop production. To be in the presence of those committed actors, our evolving script and story, Steve's music, and the rapt attention of audience was quite a gift.

In keeping with the integrity of how story is created, The Contract, will be allowed to incubate in all our psyches as the team of actors and writers recharge our batteries before embarking on a refinement of the story we discovered together. Audiences provided generous and valuable feedback following each performance. As a company we continue to reflect on all comments and questions, while remaining open to discoveries that will inevitably continue revealing themselves to us. Our intention is to re-approach the play later this year and to present a full production next season.

There is a buzz of excitement in being a part of something larger than yourself. I hope The Contract will continue to touch the hearts and minds of our audiences.

Linda Giuliano
Playwright, co-author of The Contract, Axial Company member