This week I made big headway on The World Avoided. There was a big show down in London in 1990 over how to assist the developing countries in phasing out ozone depleting chemicals. The concept was "Polluters Pay." And the polluters were the developed countries who had enjoyed air-conditioning, refrigeration and other benefits for decades whist the developing countries were only just getting such products. In the end, after a spectacularly dramatic and semi-treasonous debate, a multinational fund and technical assistance program was agreed to that went a long way to phasing out the bad compounds and adding years of life to the planet. I also, thanks to the great minds in my monthly Meeting of the Minds at the Lark Play Development Center, had a huge structural breakthrough. I had created a very fun Host character. I loved him. But he distanced us too much from the action. Steve, who is telling me the story, has to tell us the story. As soon as I made those changes to Act One, it all felt more emotionally connected and driving. Thanks, smart minds. It is oh so good to have good playwrights in my life.
I've also begun the re-write of Lf&Tms. Early going bringing in the new elements and action we decided on, so still in the mourning the darlings we are killing as we go. I trust it will all be to the good in the end.
Also very active with my volunteer work. We had our round of grant decision making for Open Meadows Foundation last Saturday. I have some follow up to do updating our website. Very good work going on across the globe that we are happy to support. Equally happy to say no to the less good projects. Ha!
Also gearing up for On Her Shoulders. We took a month off and will next do plays from the Provincetown Players on May 21st. Planning Fornes, Hurston and more over the coming months.
That's my quick update of the morning. Maybe I'll post at 11:11 every Sunday. I kind of like that. Here goes.