Trace Crawford "And What a Damn Fine Morning It Is" Hillard, OH

An Interview with the Playwright

How did you hear about “The Seven”?

I’m sure I first saw the posting through one of the online playwright’s groups I follow, but I also submitted last year.

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

For better or worse, about six years ago we moved into the very definition of a stereotypical suburban neighborhood. The longer we’ve been here the more things under the vinyl-sided veneer have begun to either irritate or intrigue me. And the guys in Damn Fine Morning just crack me up. I originally wrote it as a one-minute, one-joke piece, but then I realized there was a lot more I could mine there.

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

I’m not really sure how to answer this one. It’s similar in tone to some, but very different from others. Basically, I’d say it’s representational of me and my sense of humor more than a definitive writing style.

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

I’m new to writing (I’d wanted to write for years, but never had the voice until about a year and a half ago) so most of what I have written so far have been shorter plays. That said, I love the form. Sure, it has significant limitations in regards to storytelling, but it also provides great opportunities to explore a concept that might not be sustainable as a full length.

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

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Albee has to be #1. But I love so many. John Guare, Sam Shephard, Christopher Durang, Harold Pinter, Arthur Kopit, Samuel Beckett, Woody Allen, Lanford Wilson, Israel Horovitz, Aristophanes, Bertolt Brecht and Friedrich Durrenmatt....And how can you not love Shakespeare?? Read anything by any of them and you know it came from a Great One.

What is your next playwrighting venture?

I’ve got several things swirling around at the moment, but the first thing I plan to do is to finish a collection of shorts inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins. (Incidentally, And What A Damn Fine Morning is Envy.)

Is there anything you would like to add?

I just want to say thank you to FUSION for including my work in this year’s festival. And of course, everyone should drop what they are doing immediately and go to www.tracecrawford.com.