Sarah Overman, Playwright

On Monday, March 28, 2011 at 7pm, APAC’s 15/20s Staged Readings of New Works continues with Sarah Overman’s Afterglow (A Comedie of Bad Manners).

Here Overman shares her thoughts on her process, challenges and the benefits of a staged reading. Read on to find out more

HOW WAS AFTERGLOW (A COMEDIE OF BAD MANNERS) BORN?

I really wanted to write a play that would be a rollicking, guilty pleasure. And I was interested in seeing women from an historical period acting ridiculous and being honest and forthright about their feelings and experiences- as opposed to behaving like dolls in fancy dresses who obscure themselves with learned behavior and manners. I wanted to show what is universally ridiculous about women. And as I delved deeper into the idea I discovered the historical courtesan; a woman who is supposedly a “whore” but who actually gets the last laugh by being completely emancipated, financially independent, and absolutely free to express herself- all while being surrounded by a cutting edge artistic community.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE WRITING THIS PLAY?

Tell me what’s not challenging about writing a play. Everything was challenging about writing this play. It’s still challenging. I don’t know if I’m finished writing it. You could say the biggest challenge has been to try and find some catharsis within the ridiculous. On some level this is really a very dark play about the insanity of love, and I’ve been struggling with how to make the connection to this darkness click for the audience at the right time.

WHAT ROLE DOES THE APAC STAGED READING PLAY IN YOUR PROCESS?

I am so sad to say I won’t be able to attend the APAC reading, which is so disappointing to me. I would really love to be there to hear/see it with fresh eyes and ears as it’s been sitting idle for some time. That’s one of the thrilling things about development- hearing the different interpretations from actors. It’s very illuminating.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH APAC?

I’m so grateful to have met Tom Wojtunik, Artistic Director. And like I said, I really wish I could be there to work with Jessi Hill and see what she comes up with!

WHAT’S YOUR NEXT PROJECT? TELL US ABOUT IT.

I’m currently writing the great American tragedy. And that’s not a joke.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

Thank you!!!

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Join on us on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 7pm. Admission is FREE.

Location: Good Shepherd United Methodist Church [Google Map]

Limited Seating – RSVP: [email protected] or call 718-393-7505

Full details for Afterglow (A Comedie of Bad Manners)