TABLE OF CONTENTS
Terrence on Craft
The following excerpt from J. Dakota Powell’s “Elements of Craft,” summarizing a 1993 interview between Buzz McLaughin and Terrence McNally, appeared in The Dramatists Guild Quarterly, Spring 1995
-
Artwork by James McMullan -
Artwork by James McMullan
Responding to McLaughlin’s customary first question, “where does the initial germ of an idea for a play come from?” Terrence McNally said that for him, a play begins “with an image and a thought.” If the idea stays with him over a period of time—sometimes years—it’s highly probable that the idea will lead to a completed piece of work. For example, the impetus behind A Perfect Ganesh came from the playwright’s brief encounter with two older American women while traveling through India.
Subscribe to gain full access to The Dramatist Issue Archive.
Join and become a Dramatists Guild Member, Business Subscriber or subscribe to the magazine with an annual plan for unlimited access.
Guild Members receive our magazine as a benefit of membership!
