Re: RAT Reading Series --What Brecht thinks

[MFarkash@aol.com]

I'm sorry, but I must have the final word. (Kidding)

I still believe that these reading series generally constitute wasted energy. 
I know of one LA playwright who's had his play read at five different venues 
over the past seven years.  Why does he persist???  Why must I be made to 
feel guilty when I don't come see every durned rewrite?  It's all the worse 
because the play does not work.
Like most of us, he's trying to get his plays done.  Early and often.

If a group really believes in a play, then put the durned thing on as a full 
production.

MORAL: Don't taunt the wretched with endless readings.


I also neglected to remark, before, that several of the playwrights on that 
Philly reading list of Bart's have already have HAD national attention, and I 
believe, readings of their work.  Why couldn't one of these folks been 
knocked off Brad's list?   Had this been a reading of "UNDER-EXPOSED" 
playwrights, I shouldn't have recognized any names, correct?

MORAL: Give a little break to new people. 


I don't want to scorn Brad, I'm sure he's a fine fellow. I would like theatre 
people to keep their promises, too. (Here, I'm speaking of several producers 
who have tried to screw me and my casts over the years.)

MORAL: A commitment (e.g., promise) is more important than an awards 
ceremony. Even the Barrymores.

I doubt anyone deserves extra kudos for hanging with a group, even RAT, 
which, while an interesting idea, never seems to hit the real point -- IS THE 
WORK AT ALL WORTHWHILE, or do we just get these backpats for cranking out a 
LOT of theatre?
In the past few weeks, I've heard LA people talk about HOW MANY shows they've 
put on in a short space of time at a festival.  This includes the readings at 
the RAT Conference.  While I'm grateful my pieces are sometimes part of 
these, how about remembering that LESS is MORE.     I'd rather see one great 
production, even bare-bones, than 70 mediocre things.

I certainly don't expect gratitude for my support of various theatres in 
town, my long years with a particular writers' group in Hollywood, or with 
the Actors' Studio, or Padua Hills.  It's just some of the things I do to 
make theatre happen, and hopefully, find ways to stage my own plays.