I’m writing a full length play. (And may need your help!)

So as you’re already aware, I enjoy writing – it’s one of the main reasons I write this blog.

However, I’ve never really mentioned my love for Playwrighting. It was something that developed while I was at university.  The thing is, I have always enjoyed creative writing and developing characters, but I was always too daunted to write a full-length play. Hence why I began writing 10-20 minute plays which were performed by people at uni or at new writing showcases. 

I’ve written comedic plays; one about a cat detective (oops, spoiler) and another about pigeons in WW2. My first play was quite political; I set it in the future where the government had reverted back to the Victorian workhouse system. My dissertation play also had a political edge; I took themes from The Taming of the Shrew and created a contemporary piece about women in the workplace. Most recently, I’ve written perhaps my longest play so far (40 minutes) about my interpretation of the afterlife.

Yet, I’ve never pushed myself to write a full-length play. 

After watching The BAFTAs the other night, it struck me that for such a tiny island, we have produced the best dramas in the world (and the best reality TV shows- where would we be without the GBBO?). We have such a range of actors, writers and directors constantly creating breath-taking pieces of work. Who’s to say you or I aren’t capable of doing the same? Who’s to say that that my writing can’t go anywhere?

Which is why I have made the decision to write my first full-length play. Not only that, but I’ve decided to write about and for my generation. 

Generation Y.

Each scene is going to peer into the lives of two people facing the struggles of growing up in today’s society. So far, I have written a scene about a woman coming to terms with her body image and how she works that into her relationship with her girlfriend. Another is a scene between a mother and daughter; the mother silently pressuring her daughter with her high expectations. Right now, I’m working on a scene between two 16 year old boys brought up within the Catholic Church and how that can conflict with their lifestyles and desires.

So. Here’s where I need your help (people of Gen Y!). When have you felt pressured by the society we live in? If you could change something about the world right now for future generations, what would it be?

Leave a comment or Tweet me @tesshenderson with the hashtag #GenY

Thank you!