Thursday, January 3, 2008

Ten-Year-Old Playwright needs your help

I just want to share with y'all an email from the newest writer to link in to the AAPEX network, Mary-Pat Hector-Nesbit of Atlanta, Georgia, is just 10-years-old but her 90 minute play EASY STREET AIN'T SO EASY will be produced in Atlanta on January 12.

The back story to this play is really kind of profound: some time ago, Mary-Pat went to her mother and asked what she should do if she knew that one of her friends was in trouble. She would not reveal what the problem was, but her mom told her to go on the Internet and see what she could learn about the issue. As a result of her action, one of her peers who was being molested was removed to a safe house and then Mary-Pat sat down and wrote this play about a variety of serious issues affecting her peers.

Somehow the script came to the attention of an Atlanta film maker, Bobby Peoples, whose production company has supported this young author in bringing her work to the stage. You can watch the trailer here:



This is Mary-Pat's email to me after my conversation with her mother:

Hi ,

My name is Mary-Pat and I was so happy when my mommy asked me to read her email . I would be so happy to be apart of your group. It has been so hard for me, being ten and trying to do something for my community and to not have so many adults not listen to me. My mommy taught me to never give up and that is why my play is so important because it teaches kids you do not have to wait to be great. The reason I wrote my play was my best friend was cutting herself because she could not trust anyone to listen to her-- if only you could have seen her arm and legs. If you could help me spread the word about my play then maybe I could do this project in other towns. I know kids will listen to other kids .Well it is well past my bed time but my mommy said I could email you before I went to sleep. She said she was calling you tomorrow.
Bye. Keep reaching for the stars as I am.

MP

Welcome to AAPEX, Mary-Pat. I hope those reading this post will want to get involved in one way or another by bringing your important work to their communities. If you would like to be a part of this wonderful project in any way please call 678-508-7163.
Jaz Dorsey

2 comments:

  1. Hello,
    My name is Renee S. Warren - Peoples and I am the director of "Easy Street Ain't So Easy". Mary Pat is a very talented young lady and she is determined to be the voice for the children who feel as though they do not have a voice. She have a GREAT heart and big dreams and with people like you we can help make her dreams come true. Thank you for becoming a part of this wonderful production.

    Renee S. Warren-Peoples
    The Peoples Film Company
    www.TPN1.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am writing a paper for my theatre class a purdue university calumet. The topic has to be a social issue I chose child abuse we have to find a play based on the subject and address the way in which the playwright addressed the issue. I WOULD REALLY APRECIATE A COPY OF THE SCRIPT.
    PLEASE ANSWER THROUGH MY E-MAIL sheilawilliams31@g-mail.com sheila.williams46@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete