theatre feature
Wrights Write, Right? Eleanor Bennet
ThreeWeeks meets Fringe playwrights
One of our favourite things about the Festival is the sheer quantity of brand new plays, so we thought we’d go out and meet some of writers behind all this work. This time Eleanor Bennet.
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With the twin effects of an aging population and the looming pensions crisis, the issue of how we are going to care for our elderly is becoming ever more pressing. In her Fringe play ‘Off Her Trolley’ actress Eleanor Bennet addresses this problem and uses her own experiences to talk about both the joys and low points of life as a care assistant. As well as writing the show, she is also performing it and we asked her to tell us how the play came about and what it’s like writing for yourself.
TW : This is your first play. What made you start writing?
EB : I wanted to share my positive experiences about caring for the elderly and to challenge stereotypes. Older people are just people who got old; they don’t sit and knit and talk about the war, they are unique individuals who have lived through all the experiences that we are having now. They have things to say and to offer, for example the importance of being grateful for what we have and of living in the now. Secondly I am concerned about the quality of care that is available today and also about working conditions for carers. I wrote the play because I had something to say. I want to share the insights I have gained from my experiences, both the negative and the positive.
TW : It’s obviously quite a serious topic but does the show have any humour in it?
EB : Yes, life is a blend of comedy and drama, and those in residential care do have a sense of humour; in fact a lot of things that younger people worry about, they are able to put into a humorous perspective.
TW : Is everything in the play lifted from your experiences and how does a sing-along fit in?
EB : Everything is taken from things that I experienced and a sing-along is a typical activity in a residential home. Good carers try to enrich the lives of residents as much as possible and when there are enough staff sometimes we will do a sing-along. The main character in my play enjoys dancing and singing so it also fits with my aim to express the individuality of older people.
TW : What’s the most difficult thing about writing for yourself as a performer?
EB : Explaining to friends and colleagues that any resemblances to themselves are purely co-incidental!
TW : What do you think it is about the Edinburgh Festival that makes so many people bring new plays?
EB : There is an audience for new work at the Fringe Festival so it gives new writers an opportunity to have their work seen and heard. The Festival is known for that. Fringe audiences also tend to be discerning so it’s a great opportunity to get feedback.
TW : What are your hopes and fears for your play at the Fringe?
EB : I am hoping that people will come and see the show and I’ll get my message across. My fear is that the amount of choice at the Festival will mean that I don’t get big enough audiences.
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'Off Her Trolley' was on at The Vault.
published: Oct-2008
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