Writing for romance
Naomi MacDonald reports on the Writers' Guild and DACS getting together for an evening of romance
Fifty or sixty members of the Writers' Guild and Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS) gathered on Thursday 15th May for a private view of the current exhibition at DACS' Kowalsky Gallery and to hear works by six selected writers on the theme of Romance.
The atmosphere was buzzy and both DACS and the Writers' Guild were excited about hearing the writer's works, most of which had been written especially for the Private View and inspired by specific works in the collection.
There was a real mixture of work showcased: hilarious, racy, honest, reflective, serious and touching - and obviously, romantic - in equal measure. There were songs, monologues, a script plus a very brave and hilarious account of Lauren Kemp's attempts to persuade one of her ex-boyfriends' new girlfriends to read her piece at the event. There were a lot of laughs and some really tender moments.
Just to add an extra element of fun (and risk!) to the evening, all attendees were given a badge with the name of a famous 'arty' person, or character from literature, and instructed to match up with their 'other half'. The Princess and The Pea found each other, as did Pat and Frank Butcher, Gilbert and George, Francis Bacon and John Edwards.
One of the artworks on display at the exhibition: Pamela Anderson and Paul Robeson Unification Cake, by Magnus Irvin (© Magnus Irvin. DACS 2008. All Rights Reserved)
The writers involved in the event were:
Gabriel Bisset-Smith, one of the core writers at the Soho theatre. He is a member of the BBC writer’s room and the SPARKS radio scheme. He has been on attachment at the Royal Court and had plays produced at the Hampstead Theatre. He took part in this year's 24-hour plays and he is currently writing new projects for Teatro Vivo.
Paul Boakye is an experienced professional writer, broadcaster, and creative project manager. He is the recipient of myriad business and writing awards and prestigious accolades including advising the Power Inquiry and a recent invitation to meet The Queen. While currently writing his first novel, Paul will also start a Creative Writing MA at Goldsmiths College in September, and is on the lookout for a new agent to help him market his work. See the author’s blog at www.paulboakye.net
Guy Ducker worked as assistant editor on hit movies like Calendar Girls, BAFTA winners like The Warrior and many more. Between these jobs Guy started writing feature film scripts and making short films. So far he has written five full-length scripts, one of which is in development and another of which recently earned him a place on the prestigious TAPS course. Guy’s short film Telling Mark has played international film festivals and has been shown by the BBC, HBO and Sky. He has directed a section of a film called Nineliveslondon – a multiple director feature about the July 7th bombings.
Lauren Kemp is an editor at KnockBack magazine and a leading mouthpiece of British feminism. She has featured in the Guardian and Observer magazines and also runs a very successful sideline editing texts, emails and wall posts for hapless friends in romantic quandries.
Claire Wilson currently has a Teen Thriller called Back To Jack under option with Element Films, a drama short called Birthday Girl in development with Orange Wasp Productions and a dark comedy series under option with the BBC. Her family drama script Re-Possession was awarded Runner-Up 2008 for the Tony Doyle Scholarship and she was also short-listed for the UK Film Council's 25 Words or Less competition.
Jake Yapp is a comedy writer and performer. He has written for Never Mind the Buzzcocks on BBC2, and his series Pleased To Meet You on BBC7 last year was nominated for the Sony Award for Best Comedy. He's currently preparing a one-man show for Edinburgh. You can watch him mucking about at www.youtube.com/jakeyapp
Many thanks to DACS for having us and to all the writers for taking part.
Naomi MacDonald is the Guild's Assistant General Secretary.
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