In this album, some of our current and most well-respected playwrights offer an insight into the mechanics and beauty of writing for the stage. Contributors include Alan Ayckbourn, David Edgar, Bryony Lavery and Willy Russell, who discuss their own work and the pleasures and pitfalls of crafting a script. All of the fundamental topics, from character and structure to dialogue and editing, are covered in detail in a series of entertaining and insightful interviews. This material forms part of The Open University course A176 Start writing plays.
Latest episodes
-
↗
Start writing plays
A short introduction to this album.
-
↗
Transcript -- Start writing plays
Transcript -- A short introduction to this album.
-
↗
Starting out in playwriting
How do you find your starting point? Playwrights discuss the start of the creative process from developing simple ideas to narratives.
-
↗
Transcript -- Starting out in playwriting
Transcript -- How do you find your starting point? Playwrights discuss the start of the creative process from developing simple ideas to narratives.
-
↗
Developing a play
What are the best practices to apply when developing a dramatic idea? This discussion ranges from wider issues such as genre to more technical aspects of the art.
-
↗
Transcript -- Developing a play
Transcript -- What are the best practices to apply when developing a dramatic idea? This discussion ranges from wider issues such as genre to more technical aspects of the art.
-
↗
The importance of character
Crafting characters is an integral aspect of playwriting - the rhythm and patterns of their speech, their narrative development and even whether they’re on-stage.
-
↗
Transcript -- The importance of character
Transcript -- Crafting characters is an integral aspect of playwriting - the rhythm and patterns of their speech, their narrative development and even whether they’re on-stage.
-
↗
How to write dialogue
Dialogue is all about listening and the interpretation of speech. Here, it is highlighted how dialogue can alter the pace economy of a play.
-
↗
Transcript -- How to write dialogue
Transcript -- Dialogue is all about listening and the interpretation of speech. Here, it is highlighted how dialogue can alter the pace economy of a play.
-
↗
The structure of plays
Arguably the key tool in the playwright’s arsenal, all aspects of structure are touched upon here, along with a few invaluable tips of the trade.
-
↗
Transcript -- The structure of plays
Transcript -- Arguably the key tool in the playwright’s arsenal, all aspects of structure are touched upon here, along with a few invaluable tips of the trade.
-
↗
The editing process
This is where a play really comes together. Playwrights discuss approaches to editing their work and writing with actors in mind.
-
↗
Transcript -- The editing process
Transcript -- This is where a play really comes together. Playwrights discuss approaches to editing their work and writing with actors in mind.
-
↗
Politics and the stage
How political should your drama be? Is tackling politics the same as tackling current issues?
-
↗
Transcript -- Politics and the stage
Transcript -- How political should your drama be? Is tackling politics the same as tackling current issues?