My career as a playwright has not been textbook – there have been no award ceremonies, commissions from prestigious venues, publications and/or much financial reward (so far).
It took a nudge from Alan Sillitoe* to convince me to commit to a full-time life as a playwright. We had a cup of tea together before I chaired a Q&A with him. After that chat I decided to focus on my own work instead of facilitating other people’s/artist’s dreams and ideas.
I’ve never regretted it.
It’s always been a struggle to get my work performed, so while Covid has proved to be yet another struggle, and Mademoiselle F has taken a while, I’m not entirely surprised.
However, I am surprised that I’m so busy at the moment. I love my work and am really looking forward to Mademoiselle F opening in June. But, like everyone else right now, I could really do with a break… Vanessa Oakes
- The Other Me, directed by Ola Animashawun, was first read by Vanessa Oakes on 24th November 2014 in The DOOR at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
BOLDtext Playwrights 