Stage Play Re-Writing and Problem Solving
A Guide to Identifying Script Weaknesses and Mistakes
After a play has been reread the writer can often sense that something is not quite right. Here are some of the common errors that can easily be rectified.
Too Much Exposition
Every play needs exposition to a certain degree but the writer should remember to deliver this in small doses. No audience wants to hear one character tell another his/her life story. What’s more they won’t find it believable.
In general people like to keep certain things about their past to themselves. It’s how these secrets can slowly reveal themselves that makes a good playwright.
Not Enough Subtext
Subtext is one of the most important aspects of play writing because it gives work for the actors to do and it makes the audience think.
If a character hates another character then rather than they say “I hate you” how could they express it in a less obvious manner?
Take Harold Pinters, The Homecoming. The first line of the play is, “What have you done with the scissors?” In isolation this is a simple request from one person to another but in the context of the play is this statement is the first instance of the verbal aggression and violence that is the plays hallmark.
A Lack of Theatricality
Many playwrights forget that they are writing for the stage and not the screen.
The writer should ensure their play has an overall theatrical awareness. This means things like scene changes, set design; music etc should sit well within a theatrical context. A writer should now that with some ingenious writing any situation can be portrayed and the writer should also remember that the audience’s capacity for suspending their disbelief can be very high indeed.
For some ideas on how to make your play more theatrical please read Aristotle’s Six Dramatic Elements.
Nothing Happens
Two people sat on a couch talking about life may sound like a good idea but it will soon become boring if there is a lack of story. To correct a play of this problem the writer must generate conflict. Conflict is the tool of writers too create story movement. For more on this subject please read Defining Conflict in Stage and Screen Writing.
Passive Characters
Characters who don’t want, need or desire anything or anyone do not make great subjects of plays. An audience wants to see characters trying to get what they want or struggle to solve their predicaments.
Too Many Ideas
Trying to cram as many thoughts and ideas into a script loses its focus and is frustrating for an audience member. Even though many of the greatest plays written can cover a whole multitude of themes and ideas it’s best to begin with a core idea and focus on how your script expresses this one core idea.
If the play is well written then other concepts and ideas will surface naturally. Some of which the author may not even be aware of himself. That is the beauty of writing.
For more play writing articles please visit the Writing for Stage and Screen Homepage.
Solving Script Problems
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