In this episode of The Desert Scene with Bonnie G, playwright Gregg Ostrin shares insights about his new play, "The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks," making its world premiere at CV Rep on May 21st. Inspired by a historical controversy involving Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif during the creation of "Funny Girl," the play delves into complex themes such as identity, religion, and cultural conflict. Gregg discusses his journey from acting to writing, the fluid nature of his writing process, and how the evolving world events have made his story more relevant than ever. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of bringing a play to life and the collaborative efforts essential in theater.

Takeaways:

• The play is based on a real diplomatic crisis involving Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif.

• Ostrin's writing process is fluid and dynamic, with constant revisions.

• He transitioned from acting to writing, discovering a passion for storytelling.

• The themes of identity and cultural conflict are central to the narrative.

• Writers have more creative control in theater than in film productions.

• Collaboration with directors is essential for the success of a play.

• Ostin's background as an actor informs his writing approach.

• The play has significantly evolved since its initial reading and incorporates audience engagement.

Available from our website at www.TheDesertScene.com or any of our distribution partners where you can subscribe for free including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. This is our final show until the new season begins in September. By subscribing, you’ll be notified when new episodes resume!

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