How exactly do dramaturgs work with playwrights? What goes into making this dynamic work, and how does this often unseen creative exchange help to shape a play? As part of Centre 42's ongoing explorations of these questions, we are hosting a series of chill and intimate socials, each anchored by a casual chat between a dramaturg-playwright pair who'll give some insight into their collaboration. In this edition, playwright Jean Tay and dramaturg Hemang Yadav discuss their work together on The Shape of a Bird (2016) and Chinatown Crossings (2019).

Also, catch the latest on Centre 42’s upcoming workshops, meet our new Dramaturgs-in-Residence and find out how playwrights can Engage-a-Dramaturg. Come through-- there'll be snacks and drinks!

Productions Mentioned

The Shape of a Bird (2016)

Staged: 15 January 2016

Chinatown Crossings (2019)

Staged: 6 June 2019

Documentation

A group of people seated in a circle in a small room. In the corner is a TV monitor.

We kicked off our evening with some conversation between Jean and Hemang, who shared about the projects they've worked on together, including The Shape of a Bird and Chinatown Crossings. Topics of discussion included Jean's experience involving a dramaturg in the creation process, and the importance of Hemang's dramaturgical contributions.

Five people seated on chairs, in front of a large mirror, speaking to each other.

Guests at the social also joined in the conversation, asking Jean and Hemang questions about their careers, creative processes, and working relationship, as well as providing their own insights and thoughts on the ways playwrights and dramaturgs work together.

Several people standing and sitting in a small room, talking to one another in small groups.

Guests spent the rest of the night mingling and chatting over food and drinks! We hope that many fruitful conversations were sparked, and relationships were built that might lead to more collaborations between playwrights and dramaturgs in the future.