Why did you write a play with a single female character?

 

I wanted to write a play about a woman, but not like other plays I had seen. This character is at face value maybe quite normal and ordinary, but also quite complex and I think lots of people feel like that. I was moved by someone who told me that as an older woman they felt invisible. I don't think fringe theatre needs to be only about young people, there's space for an older character too.

 

How would describe the main character?

 

To The Dam has an elusive character called Lisa. She's vulnerable but strong too. Her voice wouldn't leave me alone. I wrote the play last year and have been collaborating with Jo, asking her advice from an actor's and a woman's perspective. I don't feel uncomfortable as a man writing a woman character, but I do feel uncomfortable about how women are portrayed on stage sometimes, even by women, and I wanted to do something different.

 

I was also really troubled by an older woman saying to me that they felt invisible. That was so sad. So Lisa is outwardly an ordinary 40-something but her life has its tragedy, dark humour and some silly comedy too when you look closer. I think lots of people feel this way, men and women. Rehearsals are underway and we're still trying to catch her, still trying to work out if she will be free. It might just be up to the audience to decide