Feb 01 2024 47 mins
I've been writing an adaptation! (Frame Narrative and it’s on March 8-30, 2024 at The Old Fitz in Sydney.) Working with source material has changed some parts of my writing process. So I thought it could be useful to share what's been helpful along the way.
I speak about:
- The many kinds of adaptations: retellings, reimaginings, cover songs, fan fiction, prequels, sequels etc.
- Bridging the gap between the source material and the liveness of theatre (or whatever form you write in.)
- The relationship between form and content.
- Using research to broaden your access points to the material and find new ideas and inspiration.
- Imagine filtering a story through your voice and aesthetic like it’s a cover song. How does this particular story sound in your voice?
- Marginalia and the long history of readers writing in the margins of books.
- Working with the expectations audiences bring to a work when they know it’s an adaptation. Can you deliver on the expectations that open up possibilities, and subvert the ones that don’t.
I reference:
- G Flip’s cover of Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift on triple j Like A Version
- 'Like A Version and the art of making a cover song' by Madi Chwasta on ABC
See Monument at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre!
By Emily Sheehan and directed by Ella Caldwell
February 20 - March 10, 2024
Book now: https://www.redstitch.net/monument-2024
See Frame Narrative at The Old Fitz Theatre!
By Emily Sheehan and directed by Lucy Clements
March 8-30, 2024
Book now: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/frame-narrative