Plays and films based on real people (biodramas) have entertained and enlightened audiences for centuries. Biodramas, in high demand, are among the most profitable genres for stage and screen today. Writing the Biodrama, by award-winning and internationally acclaimed bio-dramatist Dr. Tee O'Neill, offers an artfully written, practical, and academically rich book designed to equip writers in the craft of biodrama writing.
By reading this book, screenwriters and playwrights will gain insights about the creative process from renowned bio-dramatists such as Polly Teale and José Rivera, all interviewed by Dr. O'Neill. They will also explore the dynamics of biographical research and discover the dramatic principles that result in powerful biodramas.
The book offers a holistic view of the entire creative process of writing a biodrama. Written for accomplished and new writers, this book is invaluable for anyone who hopes to transform a true story into a beautiful drama for stage or screen.
José Rivera, Academy Award Nominee, says:
““This book is a beautifully rendered journey into the joys, challenges, secrets, and time-tested methods of writing biographical dramas for the stage and cinema. Inspiring and wonderfully practical, this is the manual any writer, no matter the level of achievement, can turn to when wrestling with such questions as: How do I make my story relevant to today? What is the relationship between research and creativity? How much of myself can I pour into the life of this famous (or infamous) person? How do I explore a historical character’s fatal flaws? The book includes scores of examples derived from the work of such greats as Harold Pinter, David Mamet, David Hare, and Suzan-Lori Parks, but some of the best help comes from O’Neill’s meticulous and eye-opening analysis of her own biodramas: about footballer Ron Barassi, landscape designer Edna Walling, and musician John Lennon. Her insights into crafting her own award-winning biodramas are treasures.””
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Publishing Information
Copyright © 2021 Tee O’Neill
Published by Endeavor Literary Press
Cover design: James Clarke (UK)
ISBN hardback: 978-0-6488906-0-7
ISBN paperback: 978-0-6488906-2-1
ISBN Ebook: 978-0-6488906-1-4
196 pages
For author interview requests, please write to Glenn McMahan: glenn@endeavorliterary.com