Sophie, Ben, and Other Problems - Conor Burke
Today we are speaking with Conor Burke, a current student on the Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media, MA course about his play.
Tell us about your play!
My play, Sophie, Ben, and Other Problems, will be running at The Chiswick Playhouse from the 4-8 of January 2022.
I wrote the play in 2017, and since then, it’s had a relatively long life. In 2018, it had two separate London productions before moving to Assembly Studios at the Edinburgh Fringe that Summer. Since then, it’s been performed in three Irish venues. This is the first time it’s back in the UK since 2018, so it’s a very exciting time.
How did the play come about?
I wrote the play as a result of feeling young and confused. All these years later, I’m still young and confused. Funny how that works.
What are you currently working on?
We’re currently in planning stages. I’m working with Maddie Parker, a student on the Creative Producing, MA course, and it’s been an absolute dream. It’s so inspiring to work with others who are at the same point in their careers as you are. You motivate and encourage each other to do better, and it creates such an empowering and inspirational environment to be in.
How has this project related to your studies?
Being a writer, I have always believed that the best way to develop your work, for me, is to stage it. Audience feedback helps me so much, and it’s such an important part of my process. I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a lovely group of people on my course, so I think that their feedback will be invaluable to me.
What has surprised you most about your experience?
There haven’t really been any great surprises, but I cannot express how fantastic it has been to be back making and producing theatre with such a brilliant team after the last year. It’s been an experience that has been beyond thrilling for all of us.
How did you find out about Central and decide to study with us?
Central has been my dream school my entire life- it was my main goal getting here, and I’m so proud to be a student. It feels like home, and I feel so supported here.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
Planning to do everything I can to still make theatre whilst putting food on the table. It’s no mean feat, but I do believe that if you have the passion for it you’ll make it work.
You can find out more about Conor and his work by following him on Twitter, @iamconorburke or Instagram, @iamconorburke.
Learn more about Sophie, Ben, and Other Problems on Twitter, @sophiebenplay.
