BWW Interviews: Local Playwright David Durham on Debut DEAR ME
By: David Musselwhite Apr. 13, 2015
With stressful family relationships, the recent loss of a spouse, and a moody teenage girl's constant sass, Garden City playwright David Durham's debut show DEAR ME has the makings of a powerful drama but the light heart of a playful comedy. Durham joins BWW for an exclusive interview after DEAR ME won the Best New Work and People's Choice awards at the 2015 American Association of Community Theatres Michigan State Festival in late March.
DEAR ME features a straightforward and personal plot. Wesley is a few months into coping with the death of his partner Paul when his niece Mandy is delivered by her overprotective mother for a sleepover. Wesley and Mandy struggle to find common ground as Mandy regards Wesley coldly and questions why he hasn't played a bigger role in her life. Wesley reveals his history with Paul, discusses Mandy's mother's disapproval, and introduces Mandy to Paul's mother Bobby, who lovingly embraced Wesley as a son. Through exploring Wesley's past and the tensions that have shaped their family, Wesley and Mandy begin to develop a sincere bond by the time the curtain falls.
Durham began writing DEAR ME as he contemplated how he would come out to his own niece and nephew as they came of age. He created Wesley as "that guy trying to get through life with just some of what everyone else has a chance to do - live, love, laugh." Mandy's mother is intended "to reflect those people I really loved who didn't quite know how to cope with homosexuality." Despite the obvious topics of historical and familial discrimination against the LGBT community, Durham insists that the play is not political in nature - "it simply peels back the sheets on a life well-lived in the constraints given to LGBT people as our country educates itself on homosexuality." Durham's attitude is reflected in the script, which is never preachy, but makes its point nonetheless. He plans to complete a full-length version of the script that shows more of Mandy's world and the challenges Wesley faces in moving on after losing Paul.
For Emma Kennedy, who originated the role of Mandy, DEAR ME offers a way to "connect to those who are more conservative and draw them in, to show them that they don't have to be afraid of change." The play also opened her eyes to the experiences of LGBT adults who do not have their families' support: "I've always been surrounded by very socially liberal people, so it's easy to forget that not everyone has that. The 'little things,' like being able to have a photo of you and your partner out in your own home, can make a world of difference for an individual." Kennedy hopes that audience members leave DEAR ME feeling empowered to "advocate for our world to not just be tolerant but embracing and affirming."
DEAR ME was staged by the Rosedale Community Players (RCP) and continues the group's history of featuring new works by local playwrights. Barb Mathers, RCP's President, speaks proudly about the group's annual One Act Festival, which always features new scripts and serves as a fundraiser and talent pipeline for RCP's regular season. Playwrights who wish to have their scripts considered for RCP's next One Act Festival can submit to staff@rosedalecommunityplayers.com. Rosedale's next show, Donald Marguiles' TIME STANDS STILL, opens April 18th and runs until May 9th. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
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