There Will Be Words will feature the reading of two original one acts by VTG alumnus Greg Davis, followed by a talkback session with the playwright. Here’s an interview with Greg about his history with writing and how he came to write The Watchmaker and The Hollow Men.
Greg Davis as Captain Lefty in The Unfortunate Cutthroats (2011)
How did you get started with playwriting?
It didn’t start as an ambition of mine, but more of something I fell into. I started writing when I was young, but my focus was poetry (which I still write). My playwrighting began as an extension of my poetry, but took on a life of it’s own.
Who are your biggest influences?
I don’t like having influences. I would love to write in a vacuum. That being said, I gravitate to absurdist “movement,” namely Samuel Beckett. Though, as of late I am trying to distance myself from it.
What is your favorite play?
That largely depends on my mood. I find myself dwelling on my autumn favorites right now: King Lear, Endgame, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.
What was your first play and why did you write it?
The first play that I acknowledge is The Hollow Men. I wrote a few plays before that point, but they have long since been destroyed. I wrote it because I was frustrated.
What inspired the The Watchmaker?
The Watchmaker came about after reading Chekhov’s short story “Misery.” Go and read it, it’s a good one.
What are you working on now? Do you have any plays in the works or ideas for the future?
I am working on editing and creating a revised draft of a one act I wrote last year called The Night House. I am very excited about that play. Hopefully I’ll find a venue for it.
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There Will Be Words will take place on November 19th at 7:00pm at Trident Booksellers & Cafe on Newbury Street in Boston. Admission is FREE so grab a coffee, beer or bite to eat at Trident’s cafe and support local Boston theatre. RSVP to the Facebook event here.
Vagabond Theatre Group 