Playwriting - Part 6I - The Working Process, Less Is More

It is tempting to fill a play full of unnecessary exposition. As writers, we start thinking about things and wondering if the audience will understand. We ask if there is enough information and we think that there is, but then we start doubting ourselves. When we start to doubt ourselves, then we start trying to cram more information into the play that isn't really needed.

We might have the characters start talking to each other about things they already know in these situations. Of course, this has all probably come out somewhere in the play. However, we become overly concerned that the information hasn't been given to the audiene in any way.

Rather than worrying if an audience understands everything in the play, write it as if you are writing for a group of extremely smart people who can figure things out easily from context clues. Don't concern yourself with the others who you think will not understand. It is likely that what you are writing will be understood.

So, in a play, in general, "less is more." Much of the exposition and content can be gleaned through the natural dialogue of the characters. Sometimes it is something that is quickly written in as information for your set or stage directions that the audience will see in the performance. You don't need to pack in more information.

You can write the play and then have a table read with people. The readers can help you know if they understand things in the play. They can let you know what needs more exposition. Worry first about writing the play with natural sounding dialogue. Only be concerned about adding more exposition if readers think it is needed once they read it. Keep that as a part of editing and rewriting.

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