Neta Shlain tells us about her contribution to The Script Challenge

 

Why did you pick this particular story for creating your script?

 

When contemplating which story was be best to adapt, I felt that Accident would deliver the most emotional impact. It’s possible that I was simply biased because it is based on something that happened to a friend of mine, and I saw the script challenge as an opportunity to open that door again.   

 

 

What was the biggest challenge in turning this into a script?

 

The biggest challenge was to balance between pace and softness.

 

Has your script been performed or have you any plans for this?

 

This script hasn’t been performed yet. I would love for this to happen but haven’t done anything in that direction besides publishing it with you.

 

Where would you like to see it performed?

 

On an intimate stage, the likes of Pine Sized in London, The Other Place or the Studio Theatre in Stratford, or something similar. It might even fit better on a screen as that’s what it was written for.

 

Could you tell us which well-known actors you would like to see performing your script and why?

 

Talulah Riley and Dev Patel would be an excellent fit for this short I believe. Each of them is somewhere between the comical and the tragical, with very-regular-human-everyday-person kind of look, which is how I see those characters. Would be fab to see them embodying the roles of Mira and Andre. 

 

Do you have any more plans for similar scripts?

 

I have a feature drama with tragical elements that’s been finished and needs attention. As far as shorts, I’d love to be commissioned to write one. 

 

Tony Domaille talks to us today about The Script Challenge

 

Why did you pick this a particular story for creating your script?

 

It’s really quite an ask to tell a whole story on stage in ten minutes. The idea of a man, down on his luck, combined with a last moment reveal as a ghost story, seemed like a good choice.

 

What was the biggest challenge in turning this into a script?

 

In a short story we look to show and not tell.  On stage, it’s much more about what is said through convincing dialogue, so the big challenge is moving much of a story from mostly prose to only speech.

 

Has your script been performed or have you any plans  for this?

 

Not yet! But I run a tiny production company and the play will be part of an evening entitled ‘And the Winner is…’  where several of my award-winning short plays will make up an evening of entertainment. We are also considering a video short for release on the Internet.

 

Where would you like to see it performed?

 

We produce evenings of short plays in hotel, café and pub settings and Star Gazing would play well in the environment.  But I’d be happy to see the play staged anywhere.

 

Could you tell us which well-known actors you would like to see performing your script and why?

 

Ah, now there’s a dream!   Michael to be played by the brilliant Stephen Graham.  Delores by Sheila Ferguson (of The Three Degrees fame) and Eddie by my brother, Phil, so I could see him act with the best!

 

Do you have any more plans for similar scripts?

 

I have written a number of ten-minute plays that started life as short stories, and even more that were always straight to stage ideas.  I have eighteen published by Lazy Bee Scripts, Pint Size Plays, Stage-Write Plays and Ilkley Playhouse, as well as Star Gazing being published in The Script Challenge.  I have also published a collection of shorts and monologues on Amazon.  It’s a form I love, and I think I will always come up with more.

 

A conversation with Tony Domaille, a contributor to The Best of CafeLit 11

 

How did you come to write for CafeLit?

I take Writing Magazine every month and saw a call for stories in the Writer’s News section just as the pandemic began. Writing for a new outlet to me was great during those periods of lockdown.

What do you most like about CafeLit?

It’s so varied and eclectic. I can’t think of another ezine or magazine that publishes all genres and provides something new and surprising every day.

What else do you write?

I write mostly for the stage and have a number of award winning full-length, one act, and short dramas and comedies published by Lazy Bee Scripts and other publishers.  I’m lucky enough to have had my work produced in eighteen countries, from USA to Australia, as well as on BBC Radio.

Where can we find more of your work?

I write short stories for Your Cat Magazine and People’s Friend and have also had a number of stories included in multi-author anthologies.  I’ve also published some work on Amazon, including bespoke books for my grandchildren.

Tell us something surprising about you! 

I was police officer for thirty years, and while people say ‘write what you know’ I hardly ever write about crime!  

Anything else you’d like to say?

People can see the majority of my stage scripts at www.lazybeescripts.co.uk and www.stage-write.com.au and keep up to date with my latest projects on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  And I’m happy to be contacted  via tony.domaille@gmail.com