The Hope Song project

What did I say when asked to write a play for Mental Health Week in October  2017? The answer had to be "Yes". Next October Surfcoast Shire will celebrate Mental Health Week with the Arts of the Mind Festival. Several community arts events will take place during the week, and this project - The Hope Song - will be performed in Anglesea as an APA (Anglesea Performing Arts) production. My wonderful  talented friend Iris Walshe-Howling will direct the play, which will be in the style of Verbatim Theatre. This 'spoken-word' style of performance is one where the words that the actors speak come from real conversations with real people about their life experiences. I am humbled by the experiences people have shared with me about their mental health challenges. How generous they are to trust me with their stories. It gives me a great responsibility to tell their stories with as much sensitivity and thoughtfulness that I can bring to this important  project.

Under The Influence of Words #2

It was lovely to be invited back again to host the 'Love Winter in Aireys' writers reading event on June 19 at Aireys Pub. My special guest writer, poet Julie Maclean (pictured) shared her beautiful words and I enjoyed interviewing her and hearing about her inspirations and experiences. Best wishes Julie for your book launch at Convent Garden in London next month. Everyone enjoyed listening to the ten talented writers read their work  - everything from memoir to wonderful slam poetry.

Interview by Carol Romanello from Canada

Carol Romanello from Wasaga, Canada,  interviewed me for her blog at
http://ohmjam.com/2016/06/silver/
She asked me about my role as the script writer and producer, about my other writing projects, and gave me the opportunity to brag about my 'dream team' on this project.

'Water, Water' wins Silver at Canadian Film Festival in Wasaga

Over the moon at this news! Our little film 'Water Water' has just been announced as a winner in the International Short Film category at Wasaga Film Festival in Canada. Congratulations to my beautiful talented team: director Iris Walshe-Howling, actor Claudia Clark, cinematographer Adam Tribe, music/score Shaun Brown and production assistant Wendy Joy Robinson. I am very proud of you all.
You can view our film at  https://vimeo.com/90592147

view Claudia Clark's stunning performance in  'Water, Water'

Skin Of Our Teeth's 'The Book of Love'

Who supports new Australian writing? Skin of Our Teeth Productions, that's who. Christine Davey, artistic director, is committed to producing new work. She has recently announced that well known actor and supporter of new Australian writing, William McInnes, is Patron of her innovative theatre company. And she has done it again with 'The Book of Love'. It's on now. And there are only 2 more shows. So if you want to see  'The Book of Love' you will need to get to Shenton Theatre, cnr Ryrie St and Garden St Geelong either tonight or tomorrow night (17 & 18 March 2016).

5 short plays by 5 writers. My new play is called 'Chapter 3: Where the Heart Is' and it's been directed beautifully by my talented friend Cherie Mills. The main role is played by a truly wonderful, sensitive actor, Mary Steuten, and she is well supported by Zach Eastwood and Carolyn Edwards. This play is probably one of the most autobiographical pieces I have written - fun to write and a nostalgic  trip down my memory lane.