As part of the Living Writers Series presentations, Oswego State creative writing professor Brad Korbesmeyer showed students what they should expect when diving into the unique genre of playwriting.

Korbesmeyer presented to the Living Writers Series class and visitors with a reading of his play “Twain’s Last Chapter” on Nov. 12 and a lecture on Nov. 14, both at 3 p.m. in the Marano Campus Center auditorium. 

“We were very lucky to have him here,” said Laura Donnelly, professor of the Living Writers Series class. “You don’t really experience a play until you have that reading of it.”

Two students from the class – Beatriz Rosa and Chris Stebbins – participated in the stage reading of Korbesmeyer’s play for Susy Clemens and stage directions, respectively. Korbesmeyer played Mark Twain, while Kristina Rusho played Clara Clemens and Kristin Beyer played Jean Clemens.

Korbesmeyer said he had to cut certain parts of the full play out for the performance, but he said the process is something students should expect, especially when it comes to playwriting.

“It’s a hard thing to do, but you have to kill your babies,” Korbesmeyer said. “You have to be willing to kill stuff that you really like.”

Much of Korbesmeyer’s presentation on Nov. 14 was centered around his accomplishments, focusing mainly on his puppet adaptation of Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.” He said he used it as an example to attendees of how many people are involved in a single play.

“It is a very collaborative kind of thing,” Korbesmeyer said. “If you don’t like working with people, then write poetry.”

Korbesmeyer also spoke on one of his biggest inspirations – Samuel Clemens. He said he is not a Twain expert, but he tried to write “Twain’s Last Chapter” in such a way that audiences would be left to wonder which parts were Twain and which were his.

Throughout Korbesmeyer’s talk on Nov. 14, his sense of humor was ever present, complete with a quiz he gave the audience with one joke answer per question. The two students who got the most correct in the end got a small prize, including a notebook.

“I know how funny he is and how energetic, and this is a good time in the semester to have a jolt of that,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly said she was glad Korbesmeyer could show the unique elements of playwriting for students who may have had no experience with it, and he was one of the best examples she could have brought in.

“I hope some people in the room were introduced to [playwriting] for the first time in a way that made them excited to follow up on that thread,” Donnelly said.

Students often laughed at Korbesmeyer’s presentation, and many asked questions in the end related to his writing and career. Korbesmeyer said he enjoyed the experience of the stage reading and presentation because it gave him a good sense of how a normal audience would respond to his play.

“I shouldn’t write a play for Meryl Strep. I should be writing a play for the woman who checks me out at Wal-Mart and is in a community theater,” Korbesmeyer said. “This group is more likely closer to a group that you would get if the play was done at a regional theater.”

Peter Zufelt, a junior creative writing major in the class, said he appreciated Korbesmeyer’s advice and that he kept the tone light.

“I liked his presentation. I’m glad it focused on stuff beyond ‘Twain’s Last Chapter,’” Zufelt said. “I’m also glad he kept it comical.”

Korbesmeyer said he used his experience and accomplishments during his presentation because he wanted to show students they can achieve their dreams of being a successful writer, even if they do not know anyone in the business.

“It’s a little self-serving…but I really do it to let them know that you don’t have to have…connections [to succeed],” Korbesmeyer said. “I don’t buy that…I still think talent and hard work matter.”

At the same time, Korbesmeyer said students should have realistic expectations. Effort and talent play a large role, but some may have to wait a while before making progress in playwriting, he said.

“That’s what’s crazy about this business,” Korbesmeyer said. “You don’t know when you’re going to get the knock at the door. And you know what? You may never get the knock at the door…But I think you have to be ready to answer it.”

Photo by Kassadee Paulo | The Oswegonian