Ken Preuss is a Florida-based playwright, performer and teacher. His one-acts for teens and assorted short plays have been produced in Australia, Canada, England, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and 48 of 50 States.
Come see us perform Ken’s play, The Elusive Pursuit of Maximum Bliss, along with seven other short plays, online Nov. 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7 p.m. For details, check out our 60 is the New 40 Festival page. For tickets, click here.
Here’s what Ken has to say about his play and his thoughts on theater during the pandemic and beyond.
1. How do you describe the essence of your play to those who haven’t seen it?
The Elusive Pursuit of Maximum Bliss examines the fortunes and folly of reflecting on past choices and wishing for future happiness.
2. What was your inspiration to write this script?
Looking for an idea for a sci-fi play, I began with a concept of examining multiple timelines. As the characters began to emerge, I stumbled upon the idea of a device that monitored one’s happiness… and the story just fell into place, creating connections I hadn’t imagined.
3. How and why did you become a playwright?
As a middle school teacher, I began writing one-acts for my students to perform, eventually branching out to create short plays for festivals and theatres world-wide.
4. What are your hopes and expectations for theater in a post-Covid world?
I hope to see live theatre make a triumphant return so many of my talented friends can resume work and pursue their passion. I’d love to see theatres continue to include the online options they’ve embraced, opening their productions to audiences across the globe.
5. Have you been writing during the Covid quarantine? If so, what projects do you have underway? If not, how have you been filling your days?
I’ve created a handful of short plays written to be performed online, and I’ve revised several of stage plays into Zoom-friendly adaptations. Inspiration has fluctuated throughout the quarantine, but I have built friendships and collaborated with artists who have generously performed my work online. I’ve loved working with actors, directors, producers, and audiences to keep Theatre alive.