Can't Change the Usual Process; Paper first then Computer! by Debbie Bagnato

As I struggle to write the "lines" in my head quickly so as not to lose something good, I think, "Maybe I should just go on the computer?" Which sounds logical, rational, and a means to more speedy results. BUT, the rule of writing for me,always begins on paper. When I was a child learning to write, there really was no alternative so when I established my personal writing habits (a very long time ago) this was the routine. To abruptly change the process now is not only a sacrilege of sorts but has also proven to be unproductive. Whenever I try to tackle a new project this way, I end up back on the paper, scribbling notes, scratching out lines and feeling my confidence return. In the case of Lysistrata (rewrite) I seem to be making so little progress, mainly because the book is large and the print is rather small, but this is the translation I prefer to work from. The feeling of "Oh God, I'll never finish" is simply because the opening section of my intended Scene I is taking forever to adapt in the fashion I have planned. There are many different "voices" in his opening scene and I want to make them all real and also saying something worth hearing. The outcome is that I seem to move forward ever so slowly, that the possibility of finishing by May 2017 seems unlikely--and I am  being gentle... In truth, I know it will happen, and I am almost to the place I set as my initial goal for putting the paper aside, moving to the computer and typing it all up neatly. I know this is the place where massive editing, line changes, and assorted other sundries can be as simple as the touch of my delete key. The only problem is that now, because it has taken this long to arrive here, I am nervous to take the plunge. Perhaps I know that this step up to writing on the computer will pull me in to the story I am creating from his great piece, even further than I am already and I will need to edit almost all of what I have written thus far. More importantly...drumroll, please...I will have to move forward with the writing and completion of this iinsanity. Then will begin the true editing process, and all the bigger changes, additions, and stage business needed to make my humble, though overreaching attempt at transposing Aristophanes seminal piece of humor from 411 B.C.E. Athens to a downtown Jersey City Shoprite circa 2016. And make that transposition something worth reading and hopefully seeing onstage.. It is intimidating--daunting actually--so it's no wonder I have cold feet. BUT, I promise you all, the numerous pages of handwritten "stuff" will be getting an upgrade to the bright screen of my desktop as I have only a small piece of opening"rewrite" to finish and I will then be at that goal I set. I have decided the balance of the small changes, additions of lines, voices, and stage notes will be more easily accomplished on the computer so, after that part gets finished--this evening for certain--we are moivng on up to the shiny screen. Please say a prayer, I really need it.

Starting to Write? After Stalling for Days, Not as Scary as I Thought! by Debbie Bagnato

So, to prepare for peer review with my group--who are absolutely super--I went over my early thesis proposal with a fine-tooth comb, made a few changes then shared with them. Omar was great--I needed a good cheering gallery and he gave me what I needed and sweetly. Colin also was a great ego booster and made a suggestion about moving one area around in a paragraph--so I did--and it worked splendidly. Thank you Colin for such a sharp eye--it really made the wording have a greater impact! So then the thesis proposal was looking very promising. Hurrah! But I still had not written one word of my "play." Yes, I know Aristophanes wrote the actual play and I only get to revamp it but I really needed to start putting the words, the lines--dialogue--the things they say to each other--the stuff that MAKES IT A PLAY---on the paper. Then I needed to see if it would BE funny in my deranged, non-sensical setting in a supermarket...in downtown Jersey City...which is always terribly busy...where I happen to work...six days a week...since I'm young. So, after carefully reviewing all my research (thus far), the entire idea from start to fiinish which I wrote down in my notebook while studying the play line by line, which explains (to me) what I was planning to do with the characters, scenes, choruses, etc., and then re-reading the notes on my main characters (potential personalities) based on Aristophanes original and this offbeat adaptation I am attempting, while keeping in mind my production concept, stage set, and "how can this be achieved on a Kean stage--such as Wilkins theatre?"--then belaboring how, who, what I would rename people, which traits I should give them, how raunchy I was comfortable with the script being--what the play needed to sound like---any and all other things to possibly delay the actual process of writing---then and only then did I finally--yes--begin to write. And, I am ecstatic to report that it is actually working; however, it takes very long and I will be editing right up until we hand it in (and probably after). BUT it is working. And it is a reasonable complement to Aristophanes masterpiece so far--of course i m only on about page three.... But as I get into it more, all that background work will really be a big help. The frightening part is that one page from my Worthen book of plays (the text I like best and will use for their translation) takes about four pages of writing because the print is so small. The good news is the entire play is fifteen pages of dialogue so I should be alright and still fall into the guidelines of a run of about ninety minutes, or within that time frame. So, friends, I have begun, ever so timidly to write the crazy adaptation, and although it will change many times I'm quite sure, and I am only in the opening scene, nonetheless I feel like I CAN DO THIS!!!! Just wanted to share my joy with all my pals. Now I only ask you all for many prayers so that I can maintain this positive outlook through all the gritty scenes ahead and writing for the sizable cast this play requires. And never fear,  I will return the prayers at least twofold for everyone in our group. This is the biggest project we've worked on so far, but with Dr. Zamora leading the way, I am confident we will all have stupendous, miraculous results, and no bad surprises. At least not ones that cannot be fixed.

Masters Thesis (take one) by Debbie Bagnato

A most enjoyable class tonight as always with Dr. Zamora and my wonderful classmates! Finally, after many failed attempts, succeeded in creating a new blog--blogger did not approve of any of my url suggestions--until the very last one,,,grrrr. But now I am ready, or at least ready to blog. This will be the easier part of the process ahead, I'm afraid, but I have some terrific company to share my miseries and my victories--oh I hope there are some victories--as we move along. My potential storyline is written down, based loosely on Aristophanes original but applied/ adapted--made to fit-- with the characters representative of my production concept. The next test or rather the real proof of its ability to be recreated onstage (as an adaptation of something very dynamic) will be the deciding factor for  keeping this carefully thought out "thesis proposal." If it falls flat and I can see no chance of it ever being what I had intended, it is off to a different creative project that I am more comfortable with. The writing shall begin and I hope the creative ideas are a-plenty; I need to run with this a little and then see if it is what I envisioned.  I truly hope it is, as I have spent some hefty amounts of time already, re-writing Aristophanes to fit a version more appropriate to a setting very far removed from ancient Greece and with  no bearing on a war with Persia, Sparta or anywhere. Instead, I will create a war in my workplace--a supermarket--that involves business, money, prestige, and the ever popular, coveted prize--power. Of course, all of those elements were attributes of the men who decided on involvement in the Pelopponesian War and kept it going until Athens (and its elegant citizens) became a mere shell of their former self, subject to takeover and destruction. Sadly enough, I see elements of corrupt, misguided individuals in the business where I work, becoming ever so much more pronounced. On that note, what began as a fun re-creation of one of my favorite ancient comedies has taken on more serious connotations. Hopefully, I can retain the comic element while I make a point--very strongly--about the unimportance of the competition within and the greater value of "family business" being a true "partner in caring" and actually being of real service to the community--all of the bylines this company falsely projects which used to be essential to them. Perhaps through humor, this old play, with a new slant, can make people recognize the real importance in life, in business and actually appreciate what is important at the end of the day. I don't know if I can tie it all in but I would love to give it a try! And do not worry, I will keep you posted for better or worse. If the laughs are not in the script, they may be AT the writing, but then hopefully, we can laugh together! But please, do be gentle...