Took some new photos/headshots with my brother Bob who’s a photographer (check out his website at Quietlife Photography).  I’m planning to update my HOME page, BIO and ABOUT SPERANZA pages with some of these photos we shot at a beautiful woodland path in this sprawling forest that had massive tree trunks.  It was a perfect day to take photos, slightly overcast with a touch of sun that provided great contrast in the photos. This outdoor setting gives these photos a kind of rugged feel that captures me in natural light.

I’ve talked many times over the years about how one person’s opinion can vary from another person’s opinion when it comes to the interpretation of art. Recently my play ANIMAL advanced into the next round of adjudication in Theatre BC’s Playwrigting Competition with a glowing review by the reader.  I wrote about the review in my last blog Not My First Rodeo.

Some good news/bad news to pass on here.  First the good news!  ANIMAL has advanced to the next round of adjudication in Theatre BC’s Competition where it will be decided which plays advance to the final round.

As a reminder, here’s what the 1st Reader, who advanced my play, said about ANIMAL:

This play is mysterious, dark, and interesting. A highly original concept that interacts with mental health in a way I haven’t seen before. The dialogue created the sense of family and the distinct characters, while also being stylized in a way that I enjoyed watching take shape before me. I would love to see the set design and imagine this would be a very impactful piece to watch and create. Clearly theatrical, excellent characterization, great dialogue, highly stageable. Well done.

Now here’s what the 2nd Reader, who also advanced the play, said about ANIMAL which is quite different than what the 1st Reader’s impressions were:

I don’t know what to make of this. All the characters are so dysfunctional. Then we find out that mom and dad have been dead for years and they are a product of Raina’s psychosis. It is either brilliant or indulgent. Maybe pass it on and let somebody else decide. The problem is that the crazy parts go on for so long that we become confused. What is real and what is not? How much stock can we put into what we are witnessing. Is it all madness or is some of it true?

I believe this reader answered their own questions about ANIMAL by bringing up the questions they had.  But that’s my opinion.  I’m far more interested in the contrasting opinions – how one person can read the same piece and feel totally different.  I’m reminded when I had readings of my play WAVES last year and at the end of one of the readings, one of the readers said:  “It’s so sad.”  I felt opposite of that.  I thought it was hopeful.  But that’s art and that’s why I find it fascinating.  I think the best kind of art is the kind that does not answer all questions or wraps things up neatly.

And by the way, the bad news is NOT the 2nd Reader’s review, because they did ultimately advance the play so they felt there was value in it.  The bad news was the next email I recently received from Theatre BC about my status in the competition:

We regret to inform you that your play, ANIMAL, did not advance to the final round of adjudication in Theatre BC’s Canadian Playwriting Competition. Thank you for your support and we wish you all the best with your writing.

Ouch. This stung. Days later I was still depressed. Unfortunately, this last email does not include a review of the play.  You only get a review if you advance.  Ah well, move on.  Been there.  Done that.  Next!  It’s tough, but there is always a next, there’s always tomorrow as long as we have breath. We are all on different paths. Life is not easy. Do your best to keep at it. Keep trying. Have some fun. Be playful. Go for a walk in the woods.  And try 😊…