The Importance of new writing by Kevin Purvis

New writing from Borders Pub Theatre writers

Creative writing may be the buzz word for new writing, but it is not a new concept. Across millennia, people have carved and drawn pictures and symbols, to create narratives that entertain and inform. These ancient works of creation help us to decode and understand history and historical events. The cave paintings of Lascaux in France, painted by numerous generations and across centuries, depict nearly 6,000 images. These are divided into three distinct categories, creatures, humans and abstract forms. Painted onto the rough surface of the caves, they look animated in fire light. We can only speculate why they felt the need to create these immense works. Whatever the driving needs and thoughts, they stand testimony to humans need to record life around them and to story tell.

Across the ages, humans have done the same to comment, inform and entertain. Often all three are rolled together to tell stories to influence a larger audience. For example Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth,’ possibly written in response to the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, speaks to us across the centuries about the political intrigue, influencing and corruption that arises from unchecked power. Its message remains as sharp and clear today, making it a story that people have returned to again, and again, reworking it and presenting it in different styles and formats. New writing today entertains and informs current audiences. It acts as a bridge for future generations to look back on us and reflect.

The art of expressing thoughts through writing should not be onerous or complex. Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and write down or draw the first five words or images that come into your head. Walk away from them. Try to put them out of your head, have a break, then come back to them. Look and try to think what their association is to you? Was it something you heard on the radio this morning or read in the news cycles? Is it something deep rooted to your past. Try to write a sentence or draw pictures to explain to yourself how these words or images link to you. One word, or one sentence can conjure up whole new worlds.

Writing encompasses different strands, stories, poetry, script, song lyrics, etc. The very nature of setting words down is creative. It helps us express our feelings, helps us let

others know how we feel. Take for example, Anne Frank’s Diary. A young girl on the edge of adulthood, hiding from Nazis in an attic with her family and a collection of other people . Anne writes a personal diary, detailing everyday life, her inner thoughts and emotions, and her aspirations. After her untimely death in a concentration camp, her father found her diary. He decided to share it with the world, allowing insight into Anne’s world and as a homage to her spirit.

New writing by Chris Drewery perfomred by local artists

New writing can be a highly personal and exposing exercise, and like Anne Frank’s Diary, not meant for others to read. When it is shared, it can be a powerful tool to document the here and now, and a person’s inner most thoughts and feelings. We have witnessed this in action at DunsPlayFest, where new pieces of writing expose raw emotional subjects such as the loss of a partner, the devasting progress of Alzheimer’s disease or the deep exposure of personal mental health issues. It is informative and cathartic for both the writer, performer and audience. Writing can help support people grappling with mental health issues, helping them focus and reflect on the world around them. Following a performance of new writing at Duns PlayFest, there is always the opportunity to meet and talk with other audience members, cast and writer about the piece. Being able to talk about shared experiences of watching a new piece of writing opens the possibility of meeting new people, hearing their opinions, and potentially, forming new friendships or writing links.

A well-crafted piece of new writing brings new and different perspectives to audiences. It does not matter if it is a light comedy or a deep and slow political piece. It’s how it resonates with the audience that matters. From that small seed of an idea to words on paper is a self-transformative process for the writer.

There is something magical about seeing and hearing new written works performed. It does not matter it they are not professionally polished pieces. It’s the thoughts, ideas, hard work, and drive that goes into making them that counts and that makes them special. And that is why DunsPlayFest is such special

venture. DunsPlayFest showcases new and emerging writers, allowing non-professional writers to get their stories told and seen.

A good story will always shine through. Writing is about finding your voice. Try it. You may be surprised what it releases