Christopher Kent "Water/A Shot in the Dark" Gloucester, MA

An Interview with the Playwright

How did you hear about “The Seven”?

I found the posting listed on NYC Playwrights website.

What was the impetus/basis/inspiration for writing the piece?

I really like the Kurt Vonnegut quote “every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water.” I sometimes struggle to remember to keep the objectives of my characters as the driving force of every scene. And taking Vonnegut’s advice literally, I decided to create a character that was thirsty. He needed a drink of water. Then I asked myself why.

Is this play representational of your writing style? Is it similar to or different from your other plays?

I think Water is very representative of my writing style. I like a lot of back and forth dialogue that helps keep the action of the play moving. I also write a lot of realistic dramas that deal with the internal struggles of characters. I like to think as I watch plays and end up doing the same when I write them. Finally, this is my second short play set around themes of war, an area I’m sure I will continue to examine and mine for new ideas.

What is the role of the short work in your playwriting career?

I’ve only written a few short plays, mostly because I lean towards larger, longer ideas. Some short plays end just when I’ve started to enjoy the character’s company. Still, I like the ability to make a complete statement in just a few minutes. I love strong scenes in full-length plays and sometimes a strong scene shouldn’t be part of a longer work. It should just stand on its own. Water ended up a short play because it got to the point where I stopped asking questions about my characters, about what they wanted and how they were going to get it. Sometimes that happens in ten pages, sometimes it takes ninety.

What is your favorite play? Who is your favorite playwright?

At the moment I’ll read anything by Stephen Adly Guirgis, John Patrick Shanley, or Tracy Letts. I’m also a sucker for a good classic. Seeing Brian Dennehy in Death of a Salesman changed my life and reading everything by August Wilson made me understand what good plays are all about.

What is your next playwriting venture?

My short play The Rabbit Lesson is in the Moments of Play festival at the Salem Theatre Company in Salem, MA this July. I’m also finishing up a full-length drama/suspense play called Song. After that, I’m planning to start a new piece centered around the recent sweat lodge murder trial in Arizona.

Is there anything you'd like to add?

Thanks so much to FUSION Theatre Company for this awesome opportunity. I am very excited to be part of this year’s Seven!