Meetinghouse Theatre Lab to present staged reading of playwright competition winner
WINTER HARBOR — Meetinghouse Theatre Lab will present a staged reading of “Tuna Water” by William Nelson, of Belfast, winner of its 6th annual playwriting competition. The annual event is open to Maine playwrights during the month of November and Tuna Water was among 14 plays submitted for consideration this year. In addition to the January reading, the winner also receives a $100 check.
The reading will take place Saturday, January 18, beginning at 6 p.m., at Hammond Hall in Winter Harbor. Meetinghouse Theatre Lab is a part of the Schoodic Arts for All organization.
“Tuna Water” tells of the ailing cat that brings a spirited young runaway into the company of a jaded professor and a sympathetic divorcee. Together they explore and experience the meanings of friendship and love, freedom and responsibility. How much do we give? How much do we take? Despite worlds-apart backgrounds, the three principals locate common interests and pursuits.
"Without hatred or harangue, Tuna Water' takes on some of the big issues of our time," said MHTL, in a news release.
Tensions do rise in a scene of “gelding the lily” but are eased through mutual concern and understanding.
“Every generation brings on confrontation and trade-off with its predecessor,” said Nelson. He especially enjoys plotting out dialogue between younger and older. “The age difference promotes a level of honesty and directness that is often missing in talk between adult peers,” he says. “That’s particularly true in a situation like this. The kid needs a roof. The professor can use a life.”
Borrowing figures from the classics, Nelson characterizes the play as “Puck drops in on Faust.” William Nelson is a happy transplant from New York City. “Mainers aren’t really much different from people elsewhere,” he observes. “Daily life here is simply easier, more pleasant, more manageable.” With a B.A. and a writing prize from Yale, Nelson settled in New York after time spent in Europe and California. His work experience has been in fields as diverse as TV game shows, financial presentations, music promotions and political campaigns. He cultivated his interest in theater as an audience member and as a regular at theater haunts.
Loaded up with insight and perspective from a kaleidoscopic lifestyle, Nelson gratefully accepted an invitation for an extended visit to seacoast Belfast. It turned out to be permanent. Supporting himself with free-lance editorial and writing assignments, he soon became active in the local theater scene as publicist, reviewer and now-and-again actor.
“Tuna Water” is the latest of a number of plays and translations he has crafted. Several have been well received as staged readings. None has been fully produced.
There will be a talk-back and reception with the playwright immediately following the 6 p.m. reading.
At certain points in the play some coarse language is heard; parental discretion is advised.
Historic Hammond Hall is located at 427 Main Street in Winter Harbor.
Admission is free but donations accepted.
FMI contact Schoodic Arts for all at (207) 963-2569, schoodicartsforall.org or visit/msg Meetinghouse Theatre Lab on FB.
Event Date
Address
Hammond Hall
427 Main St.
Winter Harbor, ME 04693
United States