...the plays 'wot i wrote
Art and words:
It follows on from the performance pieces i have done over the years. When I produce a static piece of work, whether 2D or 3D, I don't feel I fully engage with a modern viewer. The world has moved on, people expect more of an artist...and in the words of Paul Valéry, 'society decides what an artist is to produce'. Or, to quote Paul Weller of the Style Council, 'the public gets what the public wants.'I feel driven in many pieces of work to add 4D and interaction; no real surprise there as my art study has always been hypermedia. The confines of the canvas have always left me frustrated and often falling short. If I can add other dimensions: make the thing move, interact and be pro active with a viewer or audience....thus we have stage-plays.
I have written a novel and many creative 'pieces' but interaction is the real litmus test...do people like my ideas, or not?
So I write it, rehearse it, work with it and perform it. Good or bad...you'll soon find out what works and what doesn't. Then there is characterisation, music, costume, set design, lighting...all powerful colours for my palette.
I thought I might add some extracts of my writing here.
A DVD was produced of the performance and is available
Avebury Pantomime summary: July 2011
written by Paul Green
Provisional title: ‘Jill-ted Jack’
‘A Love Story’
The story of a young couple whose love overcomes all
(the barriers of class and wealth)
Jack, a farmer’s son, is in love with his childhood sweetheart Jill, the daughter of Avebury Manor.
Jack’s mother is so sure they will marry she bores everyone in the village with it constantly (our Dame).
But Jill’s family want a higher suitor, especially Jill’s avarice ridden Aunt who hatches a plan to marry Jill to a young man of her choice… but to do this she must first break up the happy lovers.
Jack is heartbroken as the love of his life is taken from him (which he is unaware of is being achieved through blackmail) and beneath the stars and before midnight, to the sound of Jill’s Ball, he lays in the circle of Avebury stones; their special place and makes a desperate plea for help.
As he does the Church clock strikes 13 and from that eerie moment the animals in the circle become enchanted. The sheep (?), rabbits, dove, badger and even the farmyard rats vow to help him in their own way.
But the Aunt’s plan is clever and effective; the two lovers try hopelessly to stay in touch but are foiled at every turn by her wicked ploys…she will stop at nothing to be rid of Jack.
But the aunt has a fateful flaw; she can’t help taunting the portrait of he sister (on the wall) and revealing her wicked plan.
The enchanted animals listen; she never suspects that they can understand her. With this knowledge they can help the couple overcome the obstacles she has put in their way. With their help, at last, the two lovers are brought together in a magical moment. From that moment on the couple vow to be together forever. The animals commit to expose the wicked plan that the lovers are so far unaware off.
The Aunt tires of Jack’s persistence and plots to be rid of him for good by falsely accusing him of theft from the village shop. Further, with the help of her accomplice, Jill’s suitor they plot an even worse fate for Jack. But their plan goes tragically wrong and Jack’s bravery saves the suitor. In gratitude to Jack he confesses all and promises to help him. He admits, he is the Aunt’s estranged son, and confesses how they’d schemed to steal Jill’s inheritance by marriage.
But how can they trick the clever Aunt into admitting this out-loud? The animals work together to make this happen.
Their plan works and the Aunt is exposed. Jill’s father angrily banishes the aunt from the family and further decrees that Jill must choose a partner for herself; and for love.
Throughout it all the couple had held onto the love tokens they’d exchanged in the stone circle as children. Jill’s encrusted old coin, which Jack dug up on his farm, now worn clean with her unhappy tears.
It reveals itself to be a Gold Roman coin, and on his land there could be many, many more!
And the couple live happily ever after.
The Players (provisional):
Narrator (Prologue etc.)
Jack simple farmers Jack (hero)
Jill daughter of the Manor (heroine)
Jack’s mother (Dame: hero’s helper)
Step Aunt (antagonist)
Rabbit (hero’s mentor)
Suitor: Nigel (antagonists helper)
Jill’s father (Lord of the Manor)
Housekeeper (Manor)
2nd Rabbit
Badger
Stoat
1st Rat
2nd Rat
3rd Rat
1st Woman
2nd Woman
Police Officer
************
An Avebury Pantomime:
'Jill-ted Jack'
(Nov/Dec 2011)
By Paul Green
(Jack's Mother...the Dame)
THE PROLOGUE
(This is a tale of…)
This is the tale of Jack and Jill
Who grew up like brother and sister until
Wealth and position between them became
A terrible obstacle that ruined the game
A wicked old Aunt with a plot of skulduggery
Would unfold her plan, just as easy as…anything
Poor Jack, a young penniless farmer
Made a wish on a star for a good way to charm her
The Church clock of Avebury, as if hearing his plea
On striking midnight rang 13 quite unexpectedly
All the animals heard it as they sat on the grass
Vowed to help Jack rather than sit there and pass
Said their leader the Rabbit, in this quest we’re sure
We can’t just sit here and do nothing no more.
(This is a tale of…)
This is the tale of Jack and Jill
Who grew up like brother and sister until
Wealth and position between them became
A terrible obstacle that ruined the game
A wicked old Aunt with a plot of skulduggery
Would unfold her plan, just as easy as…anything
Poor Jack, a young penniless farmer
Made a wish on a star for a good way to charm her
The Church clock of Avebury, as if hearing his plea
On striking midnight rang 13 quite unexpectedly
All the animals heard it as they sat on the grass
Vowed to help Jack rather than sit there and pass
Said their leader the Rabbit, in this quest we’re sure
We can’t just sit here and do nothing no more.
ACT 1
Scene 1
CLEAR STAGE WITH BACKDROP: INSIDE THE AVEBURY STONE CIRCLE; SOUTH WEST SECTION
Jack and Jill play between the ancient stones. Jill makes a grass hat for the Jack and places it on his head. The two giggle as passers-by point at the strange hat.
The two teenagers run around on stage holding hands and giggling with excitement as they go.
They slump back against a rock, and look upward, Jill lifts adjusts Jack’s grass hat affectionately
Jill: What shall we do now Jack?
Jack: LOOKS SKYWARD: Let’s make a wish.
THE TWO LEAN SILENT FOR A MOMENT
Jill: What did you wish for?
Jack: That we stay together forever.
Jill: POKES JACK: You’re not supposed to tell anyone your wish…or it won’t come true!
Jack: Oh that’s just nonsense, what difference can it make?
SLIGHT PAUSE
Jill: Do you mean it though, really?
Jack: Come on…to Adam and Eve…race you!
Jill: Hey Jack wait…I’m not ready…that’s not fair!
JACK RUNS ACROSS THE STAGE AND LOOKS BACK
Jack: LOUDLY: Of course I meant it. Do hurry up!
JILL CROSSES STAGE, JACK HOLDS OUT A HELPING HAND
Jill: Can we go for a picnic…tomorrow, I would really like that, just the two of us?
Jack: I can’t tomorrow; I’m working in the village shop…I told you.
Jill: Oh yes so you did…sorry…I forgot.
JILL ADJUSTS JACK’S STRAW/GRASS HAT
Jill: I’m quite proud of making that hat…it suits you. You should keep it
Jack: I will if things don’t start crawling out of it!
Jill: Now I have your old coin JILL HOLDS OUT THE COIN ON THE CORD ROUND HER NECK and you have my hat.
Jack: You always wear that old coin I found, don’t you?
Jill: I’ve worn it everyday Jack, since the day you gave it to me.
SHE GRABS HIS HAND AND THE TWO RUN OFFSTAGE TOGETHER
ACT 1
Scene 2
OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE SHOP (TO THE FAR RIGHT WOMEN WAITING AT A BUS STOP SIGN)
CENTRE STAGE:
A well-dressed middle-aged lady (Jill’s Housekeeper) stands outside the village shop talking to a group of village women.
1st woman: I hear Jill’s hosting her first Ball tonight, how exciting.
Jill’s Housekeeper: Yes, it’s going to be a very special occasion, I remember my first Ball.
2nd woman: We didn’t have Balls.
THE WOMEN LOOK AT HER IN SUPRISE
2nd women: Proms they called it at my school, same thing though…isn’t it?
Jill’s Housekeeper pauses for a moment then carries on: It’s so important at Jill’s age, to meet the right people, respectable… people with the same interests and ambitions as her.
THE THREE WOMEN ALL NOD IN AGREEMENT
2nd women: I’d love to have the chance to wear lovely clothes, to dance the night away…and to be treated as a lady for a change.
1st women: With your whole life ahead of you…now that does take me back.
Jill’s Housekeeper: This is a big step for young Jill, and it’s important to remember where such things lead one in life. She’s a young women now…not a carefree girl
THE HOUSEKEEPER ADJUSTS HER SHOPPING BAG AND BIDS THE TWO LADIES FAREWELL
Jill’s Housekeeper: Well ladies, I must bid you Good day.
SHE WALKS OFFSTAGE WITH POISE
1st woman: Not to carry on seeing Jack, that’s what she means!
2nd women: That’s exactly what she meant, clear as day that was.
She’s never approved of Jack and he’s a lovely boy, good as gold. This will break his heart for sure, prising him and Jill apart this way.
JACK’S MOTHER (DAME) STRIDES ONSTAGE WITH A BOLD STEP
Dame (Jack’s mother): IN A SARCASTIC VOICE: Busy ladies? I’ve been up since five you know, the day’s half gone now of course. Any bargains left in the shop?
SHE LOOKS AT THE AUDIENCE
Dame: Best prices here, cheaper than Waitrose…yes. Not that we’re poor you understand…but a bargain’s a bargain. ‘A penny saved is a penny earned,’ I always say.
DAME GRINS WITH A KNOWING SMILE
Dame: Is my lovely boy Jack serving in the shop today I wonder, my lovely boy who looks after his mother…Oh what a catch for some lucky girl!
SHE NODS CONCEITEDLY AND SWAGGERS OFFSTAGE AS ENTERING THE SHOP
1st woman: She’s got her heart set on Jack marrying Jill you know, but with that Aunt of hers interfering…it’s just not going to happen.
2nd woman still thinking about Jack’s mother: Oh she makes me cross that woman; she thinks she’s the only person in the village who gets up early.
1st women: LOOKING OVER AT THE WOMAN AT THE BUS STOP: Well my dear, I must get on…I see Ms ‘high and mighty’s’ waiting at the Bus Stop. Surprised she lowers herself by going on a Bus.
2nd women: No…you’d never believe her and Jill’s mother were sisters would you? How different could two sisters be.
1st woman: And she’s such a terrible snob, she never acknowledges me, just walks past like I’m not there, huh! I’ve tried to be friendly, polite conversation about the weather…but no…nothing...now I’ve just stopped bothering.
THE TWO WOMEN WALK OFF STAGE CHATTERING
THE SOUND OF AIR BRAKES SIGNALS A BUS STOPPING AND THE DOORS OPENING. THE SUITOR STEPS ONTO THE STAGE AND GREETS THE WOMAN AT THE BUS STOP WITH A KISS ON EACH CHEEK, THEN THEY WALK TO CENTRE STAGE, HE’S CARRYING A SMALL SUITCASE:
Suitor: Well now Mother, how are you keeping?
Aunt (suitor’s Mother): IN A DECEITFUL VOICE: Don’t call me mother; we have to keep our relationship a secret. You’re my friend’s son remember that, on holiday here from Guernsey…and don’t forget, no more of the ‘M’ word. And straighten yourself up, look at that creased jacket…what have you done to it, slept in it by the look of it?
Suitor: It’s all sounds a bit too ‘Cloak and Dagger’ what exactly are we up too?
Aunt: I’ll explain everything when we get back to the Manor House but believe me this is going to make us both very rich!
You’re going to a very important Society Ball tonight and your going to meet the girl you will marry.
Suitor: Am I…how on earth can you know that?
Aunt: Because I’ll make sure that you do. You just do everything I say and this will work out just fine for us both.
Come on let’s get off this common little street.
THE TWO WALK OFFSTAGE TOGETHER
THE DAME WALKS ONSTAGE FROM THE SHOP AND EXAMINES HER GROCERIES IN AN AVEBURY SHOP BAG
Dame: LOOKS AT THE AUDIENCE: Nice bag eh, local bag for local people Claire said…not sure I needed to buy one but anyway.
REACHES IN THE BAG AND PULLS OUT A PINAPPLE AND HOLDS IT UP
Dame: But why I bought this Pineapple I don’t know? Oh well.
Dame: WITH PRIDE: My Jack served me in the shop; he’s a volunteer you know.
IN A SALESMAN’S VOICE: So if you’ve got a few hours to spare give Jenny a ring on 539***.
Dame: Oh you should see him and Jill together, it’s Jillian I know but we all call her Jill. Always been a couple those two have…since they were little children, meant to be together I say…and her to be a lady of the Manor.
CLASPS HER HANDS AND LOOKS UP: Lord Jack and Lady Jill. I do like the sound of that!
They’ll be married soon you’ll see.
’Jack and Jill’
GLARES AT THE AUDIENCE DISMISSIVELY: Yes, Jack and Jill went up Silbury Hill, I know I’ve heard it all before.
SHE STRUTS OFFSTAGE
JACK COMES OUT OF THE SHOP AND CALLS AFTER HIS MOTHER
Jack: Mother! You’ve left your…oh never mind.
JACK PULLS A LETTER FROM HIS APRON POCKET AND BEGINS TO READ IT:
Jack:SPEAKING LOUDLY AS HE READS:
I’ll bring it home mother, when I finish work.
SPEAKING ALOUD TO HIMSELF:
So Jill, I’m not invited then…I’m not one of your posh school friends, just scruffy common Jack the farmer’s son.
It’s not your fault I’m sure…it’s that Aunt of yours…this is her doing…and that Housekeeper, she had a smug look on her face when she gave me this letter.
HE BEGINS TO MIMIC HER SARCASTICALLY:
Do you have Turmeric in your shop young man? Turmeric! Hu…she knows we haven’t, This is Avebury not ‘arrods Ms Windon.
Miss Swindon…what a horrible thought.
HE PULLS A DISGUSTED FACE
LOOKS AT THE AUDIENCE
Ms Windon…Miss Swindon…get it? Swindon, good eh!
Don’t expect too much, it doesn’t get any better than this!
JACK LOOKS BACK AT THE LETTER DISPONDANTLY.
Oh Jill what’s going on, something’s definitely not right, I just know it.
HE LOOKS LEFT TOWARD THE MAOR HOUSE AND SIGHS.
Bet they’ll be playing that rotten old fashioned music up there anyway…Abba, or worse still, Duran Duran! Don’t you just hate that ancient stuff.
HE WANDERS BACK INTO THE SHOP