MIX TAPE: FIRST-TIME PLAYWRIGHT JAQUELINE MORASCO ON CREATING “THE C WORD”
Jacqueline Morasco created her short play “The C Word” as part of Plan-B’s Creative Aging Playwriting Workshop. An artist, author, healer, retreat leader, science nerd, and teacher, she is the author of the bestselling book “Wake Up” and creator of Mantra Oracle Cards, SOUL Sound, and Spirited Practice. Visit her blog.
I have been writing in one form or another most of my life. While going through treatment for breast cancer this last year, I was intrigued when I saw the opportunity to take a playwriting class withPlan-B Theatre. I applied to the Creative Aging Playwriting Workshop, but the course filled quickly, and I was put on a waiting list. I was disappointed, yet eventually forgot that I even applied.
I received a text inviting me to the next senior playwriting course and quickly responded that I would be excited to participate.
I had no idea what to expect and looked forward to a safe container to share my writing. The caliber of the teachers and students thrilled me. I was able to explore my feelings about aspects of my cancer treatment experience as well as some other ideas I had floating around my head.
The sessions were helpful and fun and offered online, which made it easy for me to attend especially while in treatment. Being able to share my ideas in a play format was new to me. I was guided in a way that allowed my ideas and creativity to flow easily. Being mentored by seasoned professionals was more supportive than I imagined it could be. The whole experience was healing on so many levels.
My play, “The C Word,” expresses my feelings of not being seen and heard by the doctors and medical establishment, so being seen and heard by this amazing group of senior writers and professionals was invigorating. I didn’t realize the power of this play until people in our group showed me through their tears and words that my message was potent and needed to be shared.
Though I have written a lot and published a bit, I didn’t think my writing was good enough to be produced. In fact, when I received the call that “The C Word” was chosen to be produced, I was shocked.
I hope that the people who need to hear my message can. While I am grateful to be cancer free, navigating the medical system while being physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged because of the treatment itself is something many of us sadly must experience. There are ways this could be changed, and I hope my play sparks interest in upgrading our healthcare system and how people are treated.
Jaqueline Morasco’s short play “The C Word” receives its world premiere on Saturday, August 26, 2023 as Plan-B’s portion of MIX TAPE (formerly Rose Exposed), an evening of 10-minute samples from Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, Plan-B Theatre, PYGmalion Theatre Company, Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and SB Dance.
Digital playbill for “The C Word”