Now 48, he is interested in creating opportunities for older emerging writers as he fervently believes, 'this is a group that is being overlooked. It is a societal oversight and a potentially wasted opportunity.' This belief has led to the creation of Euphoric Ink, a new playwriting company for anyone aged 18+, but with a particular emphasis on the over 50’s.

Since the late 60’s we’ve seen an accelerating obsession with youth - with anything and everything that was considered to be of any worth artistically or cultural having to have the brand stamp of approval of youth – namely achievements by people under 30 and most preferably under 25. It’s not surprising; this was the time when the post-war baby-boom generation was 'coming of age'; ready to set the agenda with its new found independence, sexual and social freedoms, political awareness, and economic clout. In short, it had money and energy to burn and it was determined to shout about it.

But the times are changing or rather that bulge in the population cohort is changing, becoming middle-aged and adding wisdom and reflection to its dulcet tones – no longer shouting but making clear, authoritative, informed statements. The question is, is anyone prepared to sit up and listen?

'Well I for one, am not only prepared to listen, I’m ready and willing to support and develop that voice so it can find its platform.'  And, few would argue that anyone is better qualified to help the older generation find its voice – its playwriting voice that is.

'After inspiring literally 1000’s of young people to write plays and tell their stories, I now want to concentrate on encouraging everyone to get involved and raise their voice. I’ve listened to all those people who feel excluded because they’re no longer "young" and taken note of the fact that because they’ve been around so long, they know a huge amount about life in all its varying shades of wonder and complexity. The older, longer lived person has a huge reservoir of knowledge, experience and insight at their disposal and it’d be great to get these stories out into the public domain.'

Ola’s approach is to encourage writers to draw on personal experience through a combination of games, practical exercises and engaging debate. His courses aim to introduce writers to the craft of playwriting, highlighting the tools that good playwrights use, examples of plays that use these tools well, and some excellent resources on playwriting. So, if you want to make a drama out of your life experiences, who what why where when and how do you start? Euphoric Ink’s new Fast Track Introduction to Playwriting Weekend Course is for anyone who has ever considered writing for the stage but has never found the time to do it. Tailored to suit the life styles of older, time-limited aspirant writers, yet open to anyone aged 18+, the course condenses everything you need to know about how to write a play into just two days. Courses run on a Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am – 16.30pm and no application is necessary.

Euphoric Ink’s philosophy is to keep things simple, direct, honest and ethical, whilst always having fun. This approach is reflected in everything from the exercises, reading lists and resources, to the recycled course materials, fair trade coffee and organic lunches.

So if you‘ve ever wanted to put your words into action, Euphoric Ink’s course is an accessible, fresh and simple step by step guide to writing a good play whilst having a good time. Visit Euphoric Ink for more details.


© Nadine Khadr Renton, 2010 (all rights reserved)

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