It's an idea that's occurred to me before, but I've never done anything about it - partly because:
- I don't know much about writing plays
- Ghost stories (or anything with even a hint of paranormal, like 'Chloe') are difficult to put on stage. Not impossible, but challenging...
OK, so in Coping with Chloe we have a 12-year-old girl called Anna who believes that her twin sister Chloe is living inside her head - sharing Anna's body, if you like. Everyone else believes Chloe died in the accident, but Anna is convinced she is still around. Garfie the golden labrador does tricks for Chloe, the way he always used to - he never did them for Anna. Chloe helps Anna with her school work and writes poetry. And Joe the gorgeous new boy - who has he just kissed, Anna or Chloe?
So how do you dramatise that? It's gets even harder as the story goes on. At one stage Anna and Chloe are fighting for ownership of Anna's body. And later, Chloe steps in to help when Anna gets herself into real trouble.
That's the challenge, and it's an interesting one. Putting a golden labrador on stage and getting it to 'act' is going to be impossible, I would think, apart from anything else!
But who knows what can be done? I'm up for the challenge, and I'm looking forward to running a workshop soon, where I will hope to get ideas from a group of young readers and budding actors.
I also need some guidance on how to create a play based on a book.
Suggestions very welcome - please!
8 comments:
This sounds like a great idea, Rosalie! I'm sorry I can't help you with the mechanics of turning a book into a play but I will be following your progress with it :)
Hope it goes smoothly! Don't forget to keep us all updated!
Interesting challenge! I've never tried writing a play so can't help - I do have a suggestion though. Have you watched any plays or films with ghosts in to see how they've handled it? Their answers won't fit your 'problem' exactly but they might give you ideas.
Thanks, Steven - will certainly keep you updated.
And thanks, Patsy - that's a good idea. It's a bit tricky because it's not clear at first that the girl is a ghost - and it gets even less clear as the play goes on. But that kind of thing must have been tackled before... I'll see what I can find.
Talk to a playwright? I'm sure Catherine Czerkawska or I could give you some pointers.. though at the moment you're at the 'how long is a piece of string' stage.... If you bunged me a copy of the novel I could have a read and be able to give more obvious suggestions!
Cally, that's good advice and a very kind offer. I'll happily send you a copy if you'd like to email me your address - to roscov100 AT yahoo.co.uk (no spaces).
Thanks very much!
Sounds a great idea!
I've given you a challenge on my reading and writing blog, Rosalie, if you wish to accept it!
Thanks, Rosemary - will go and have a look!
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