Space Literary Manager – Mike Carter
Ahead of our first ever duologue festival, Two Fest, we had a chance to chat to the master of words, literary manager and festival dramaturg Mike Carter, about managing 13 short plays.
There are 13 new plays that have been commissioned for Two Fest, what criteria did you have for commissioning writers?And what brief did you give them?
There’s no formula to these things. We approached people who had impressed us with strong work, but also had original ideas and takes on life – sharing our vision for the festival. If you are a writer, and fancy having a go in the future, come say hello. Our doors are always open. All we did was gently steer them away from some of the common short play cliches; long lost love, strangers meeting on a train or the waking in the afterlife for example.
The Space has regularly hosted The One Festival, dedicated to monologues, why did you decide to double up?
Monologues are a fabulous form and often give performers a chance to shine, but I’m not entirely sure they are always as satisfying for the playwright. The cut and thrust of dialogue felt worthy of celebrating this time round.
Programme A:
‘Foliage’; ‘Luigi’s & Pickles Shoes’;
‘A Crying Shame’ & ‘Mnemonic’
There’s a huge range of themes from gardening, LGBTQ+, politics through to the apocalypse, how do create cohesive evenings from such varied topics?
I’m not sure we are aiming for cohesiveness – at least not politically. Our writers have reflected the times we live in, and that’s all we asked. We are all human. We all live and love and struggle with it all. In programming, we focused on that commonality. Ultimately, the audience will make up their own minds and find links of their own. Good luck to them.
Dramaturgy is one of the fastest growing fields in theatre, but not everyone is familiar with it. Can you tell us what your role as ‘Festival Dramaturg’ entails?
Oh gosh. I am a dramaturg and I haven’t quite worked out what the job description is yet! In this case, I have worked with most of the writers through the redrafting process; asking questions, making suggestions and acting as a sounding board. With short plays, it is important scripts are focused and themes and concepts clear. That has been the main task, I think.
Programme B:
‘Welcome to Mine’; ‘Protest’;
‘In the Mouth of the River’;
‘Going Outside’ & ‘Fifty/Fifty’
In addition to running the literary side of the festival, you’ve also written a piece for Two Fest, care to share?
Yes, I nicked a slot for myself so I’m clearly under pressure. All I’ll say is it was a theatrical experiment that was fun to write. The good news is that spirit has been captured on stage by a fab cast. And, yes. I am aware I have cheated slightly. There are more than two characters.
As our literary manager, any advice for aspiring writers reading this?
Think about your views and issues you feel passionately about. They should shape your writing and develop your unique voice. All the pieces in Twofest achieve this. You’re in for a treat.
Programme C:
‘Why are You Still Here?’ ‘Balls’
‘Progress’ & ‘The End of Us’
And on a lighter note, who is your favourite double act?
I’ve recently rediscovered 80s classical music drag act Hinge & Bracket. They were huge, but have been written a little out of history. They deserve a resurgence, I reckon.
Mike on set, filming for ‘A Crying Shame‘
Two Fest – 11th – 22nd February 2020
Click here to book for
PROGRAMME A
PROGRAMME B
PROGRAMME C