A quick note: This is my second shot at this blog post, since my computer graciously lied to me about saving my previous draft. If the writing quality is rather terrible, that is why.
I believe that life is like a novel, and every event or period in one's life is like a chapter. Chapters can be as long or as frequent as one wishes, but there comes a time when a chapter must end. It's the only way another one can begin.
This is that time in our novels for 22 Stories. As disappointing as it is, and as much as I hate to see this happen to every show I fall in love with and take part in, that's theater. That's how theater remains contemporary and relevant. New shows have to replace the old ones, and people have to find new projects. I myself am swept up in the frenzy of school and the college application process, and as a result, my hair is even more patchy and uneven. (To any admissions officer who might be reading this post, hello!) The stage manager, director, producer and cast are all doing quite well with their lives, and as a whole, eyes are cast toward the future. Which is precisely what this blog is about. It's a way to put a frame on 22 Stories and clear the wall for more memories.
The response to the show was overwhelmingly positive. I almost feel guilty saying this. I don't telling other people about feedback I have received. I don't like receiving feedback in general, except when the feedback comes with the intent to help me improve my work. I refused to read any reviews that came my way, and when I did have to glance at some of them to forward some publicity quotes, I was ashamed of myself. It even feels strange talking about them on this post. But I will say this: the only thing better than reading a positive comment about your work is having lots of people give them in person.
That being said, I was somewhat disappointed with the turnout. This is another thing that I feel horrible for saying. There was a decent number of seats filled at every show, and the people who did come were very enthusiastic in their reactions. Besides, filling a house is a matter full of extraneous variables, such as hurricanes (ahem) and the fact that few people actually go to see plays out of interest alone. When I go to the theater, I go to support or accompany my friends, or because a show is pretty well known to begin with. But other shows fared excellently. Urinetown got discovered due to the Fringe. I guess I was expecting too much.
The life of a playwright is a hard one, and setbacks and disappointments are going to be the norm. Yet 22 Stories has affirmed one thing for me: I love writing plays, and I want to write plays for a living. (We all can have our dreams, right?) So I am going to write more plays, and send them more places. Yet getting them produced will be a hassle, and getting people to show up will be even more a hassle. Yet next time, the novelty of a 17-year-old playwright will be gone, and I will have to do much more on my own. It's all quite intimidating, if you want to know the truth.
I guess all I can do now at this point is write. Write and develop a thick skin. Which, is exactly what I am going to do now.
Cheers,
Sofia Johnson
