ma nishtana
Question: Why is tonight different from all other nights? Answer: Usually I would do anything to avoid this holiday: roll my eyes And let...
JESSICA NORMAN
Writer. Producer. Dramaturg.
WRITING
Writer for stage and screen.
My plays include: Wilding (long-listed for The Women's Prize for Playwriting 2020 and shortlisted for the 2019 Papatango Award) and This Little Earth (Arcola Theatre/in development supported by Arts Council England).
Screen and audio drama projects include: Love in Lockdown (Kick It Down Productions), Embraceable You (Lockdown Lives Shorts, dir. Ben Caplan - Best Isolation Short, LA Motion Picture Festival 2020) and TV Pilots Unremembered and Office Bitch.
PRODUCING
Podcasts. Theatre. Live Events.
I have seven years' experience making work for the UK's leading theatres and production companies.
Current projects include: A Voyage to Antarctica a new podcast for the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust as part of their Antarctica In Sight programme.
Before that, I was Creative Development Associate at The Old Vic where I developed new work for the theatre, including: the One Voice monologue series, working closely with artists including Russell Brand, Maxine Peake, Lolita Chakrabarti and Adrian Lester; and the Voices Off talks programme.
I also worked at Sonia Friedman Productions on over ten musicals and plays in under two years, including the development of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
On stage with Dr Jane Goodall at The Old Vic
DRAMATURGY & SCRIPT READING
I'm a dramaturg and script-reader. As well as four years' experience establishing and running The Old Vic's literary department, I've delivered dramaturgy and literary support to The Donmar Warehouse, Chichester Festival Theatre, The RSC and The Bush. Freelance projects include the Olivier-nominated The Phlebotomist by Ella Road (Hampstead Theatre) and, while at Sonia Friedman Productions, I supported the development of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
I offer a tailored service and competitive pricing to writers looking to develop their work. This could be a one-off read, or more sustained dramaturgical support.
Testimonials:
"Jessie is absolutely brilliant. Incredibly supportive and insightful. I couldn't recommend working with her enough." - Charlie Fink
"Jessie is a patient and supportive dramaturg, great at giving creative and pragmatic notes." - Matilda Ibini
"Jessie is lovely and whip-smart. Her generous dramaturgy will help you fulfil your vision for even the most challenging play" - Tom Wright
CONTACT
If you have a project or just want to connect please get in touch!
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when they came to cut the trees down.
I. When they came to cut the trees down They brought dogs to keep us in line. II. We stood behind fences And watched the trees bleed...
songs from Lesvos
In a camp by an olive grove You sit with guitars Under canvas and stars At the place where hope and pain meet Where men, Who may not be...
to silence.
We leave space for grief, between sips of wine; Emptiness we would have filled before Filled to the brim to pass the passing time Is...
The Worth of a Life
What is a life worth? What is the worth of a life? Why is hers worth less And his worth more Than mine and yours? Why do some Stand proud...
Time to Stand and Stare
I made a friend today as I stood and stared by the riverside stock still, one meter tall, not half as wide, without a care he stood my...
she leaves in the night.
She leaves in the night With a passport and an empty suitcase. She walks for hours: And as the dawn rises, the city grows to meet it,...
Demons
When the demons come Do not fight them You will only lose Welcome them in: Invite them for a cup of tea Ask them to hang Their fangs up...
Sylvia, Assia.
A dance in life A dance in death: six years apart They share one heart And a gas oven. Assia: his mistress While Sylvia was alive; Sylvia...
One Hundred Self Portraits
Rembrandt painted close to One hundred self-portraits In pencil and ink and oils and chalk - Brow etched with lines And glazed eyes That...
Time
Another year old and not wise Wishing to grow younger with age as I watch time run past outside the window. Autumn overstayed its welcome...
Library
Do not think That you can read me - Curl up with me and bend My pages back To keep your place. That’s not your right to do - I am not...
A Scattering
We scattered you Under the fig tree So we could feel your touch On the wind And bite into your fleshy fruit. Some of you we threw Into...
Wild Words
The smash whack of a wealding glint, Merged at the rush of a roar or a bark, The hum beat seethes and flaps As we dip at the break...
A Poem for a Dark Day
Sitting in a forest (My mind buzz buzzing With petty squabbles And slights and indecisions And the vastness of inequality And What I’m...