by Vincent Eaton
Synopsis
Awards
- George Taylor Memorial Award
in the UK's National Drama Festival
Association Playwriting Competition for 2008
award for best original play, Festival of European
Anglophone Festival, Stockholm, 2008
The play takes the audience through the birth and first six influential years of
its hero, Max Dix. We see his unique perception of his life and those around
him - and we see the family’s perception of Max.
Our early images and resulting emotions make a deep impression - but
remain hidden because we cannot verbalise our thoughts - except Max can.
This is theatre as child's play - in this case, quite literally. The different scenes
of Max's young life tumbled in front of us in quick succession, scenes and
characters shift and segue, bringing impressions, emotional awakening and
confusion, with the main character defining himself in the strange landscape
of family. It is funny, touching and emotional.
Use of a five-strong cast play multiple roles - apart from Max. Three different
actresses to portray the three different personalities that make up Max's
mother.
Staging can be minimalist, with no set as such, apart from a white curtain of
vertical strips onto which mood-enhancing images are projected and
characters sometimes use for entrance and exits. Lighting and sound are
vital, and the most basic props used. The script details the
playwright/director's initial approach, to give the reading a smoother, more
vivid weight in staging.
MaxDix Zero to Six SAMPLER
