top of page

On My Own

A type of theatre that I feel often tends to be overlooked is the one person show. It’s a bold choice, in general, to present to an audience, which is probably why you don’t see it all the time. After all, it can be very difficult to watch a single actor weave a tale of a show. An actor has to be on point the entire time. They have no one to work off of, and have to keep up the energy of an entire play. It’s definitely not an easy art form, but it’s a stunning one when pulled off right.

I was first introduced to the one woman show when one was given a short run at People’s Light. I couldn’t tell you what the show was called, but it was a very intense piece. It was performed by a black woman, and I will never forget her as she talked about the burning cross on her lawn. I was captivated by this one woman, telling me a story that came from deep inside.

That’s something I consider to be the very heart of a one person show. It delves into one person’s thoughts, heart, and soul. We’re seeing a window into their life, being told a story that is unique to this one person, and this one person alone. It’s a very unique brand of storytelling. Have you ever had the chance to just listen to someone talk with no interruption? It’s not something that we really think about in a world where we have constant conversations. One person shows are a chance to just listen.

And of course, it’s just as intense for the actor as it is for the audience.

My first foray into working on a one woman show was when I was given a piece from The shape of a girl by Joan MacLeod. I know I’ve mentioned this show before, but it really was something that changed my life. For the months that I worked on it, the entire world revolved around me as Braidie. There was no one else for me to work with, I had to carry the entire show myself. It was a challenge, especially for a fourteen year old. And the subject matter hit me in a way not much did when I was feeling so numb.

But that show did even more for me than that. Shortly after reading the show in its entirety, I started working on my own one woman show. I’ve been writing since I was seven. Poetry, short stories, novels. I had even tried writing a play at one point. But my one woman show, Else Speaks, flowed in a very different way. Partially because it felt right, and especially because I based a lot of it in my own life and experiences. It was candid and raw, and not only was I presenting Else, I was presenting Zoe.

Writing a one woman play was nothing compared to performing it, though. This is how I know just how intense it is for the actor performing a one person show. My acting teacher at the time, Ceal, saw that spark in me. She saw the potential in my show. And she put her all into working on it with me. It was the summer before my senior year of high school, my last summerstage. It was a bit of a rough year, but Ceal pushed me. I worked on my play, and got to perform it for my peers, something that was a bit nerve wracking, but wonderful, too.

I think it was something new for my peers, as well. I don’t think many of them had gotten to experience a one person show. It’s not like we see them all the time. And I loved that I got to be the person to introduce them to that.

Over the years, I’ve seen a few other one person shows. I don’t think they get the attention they deserve, both for the actor and the audience. And I think, unfortunately, there’s a sort of disinterest in them. That doesn’t mean they’re not out there, though! Jonathan Larson originally performed his show tick, tick…BOOM! as a one man show. Anthony Rapp, who originated the role of Mark in RENT wrote a one man show that he recently got up on Broadway. One people shows have always been slightly below the surface, but they’re there, and they shine in a very unique way.

I truly believe these shows have a sort of meaning that you’re not going to get just anywhere. They’re deeply personal…no actor can do this sort of thing if they don’t connect to the character on an intensive level. Whether it’s because it’s based in something they’ve experienced, like my own play, or hit the author deeply, like The shape of a girl, you’re not going to get a story so pure and straightforward any other way.

This is dedicated to Ceal Phelan, my theatre mother, teacher, and mentor. We lost her ten years ago today, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her. Thank you, Ceal.

Recent Posts

See All

Quixotic Professor Qiu

There are some shows out there that really make you think.  These shows can manifest in many different ways, but with the way the world...

Comments


Questions?  Comments?  Want to talk about theatre with me?  Leave me a message!

Thank You for Contacting Me!

© 2021 by Zoe Writes Theatre. Powered by Wix.

bottom of page