Shakespeare said, “The Play’s the Thing,” and it was! Here in Skopje we just finished producing seven plays – 4 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. They included such titles as “The Nutty Granny,” “Revenge is a Dish Best Served up Cold,” The Magic Umbrella,” and “The Hero and the Dragon,” just to name a few. They were absolutely wonderful. The young actress who played the title role in “The Nutty Granny” also helped write the play as did most of the actors. It is very interesting how serious the students get about the plays. All this has caused a Children’s Drama Festival in Bitola so when I get to Bitola, I will finish the first week with a second week where we do nothing but plays. I have always wanted to direct a children’s theater, and, what luck, it is happening!
It is very exciting to visit with my wonderful old friends in Skopje, but it is also exciting to be going to a brand new corner and a new place. It has been a while since I have been to a new place. Last year I went to Croatia with my daughter Susannah, and we had an amazing time going to Diocletian’s palace and looking at the stone symbols on all the ruins in Split. This time I haven’t really thought about going anyplace. Tomorrow I am off to Stip and new places and new friends.
Merrilee Cunningham
Writers in the Schools (WITS)
