kym fraher

I'm a speech therapist by day so I have always acknowledged and understood the power of words and language to connect people and reduced frustrations. I turned to play writing as a way of creatively using this understanding about language to try to influence and impact others’ What better way is there, in our current situation, then to impact others politically as well as socially? My work is meant to serve as a somewhat murky mirror held up to our society that says, “Look, see? This is what you are doing.” I draw inspiration from current events and let my mind wander to speculate “what if...” I love that theater takes a snapshot of a moment and digs down deep so that we can understand why people doing what they're doing and what results are being generated from their behaviors. I'm inspired by the dialogue of Lynn Nottage and the timeliness of Lucas Hnath. I appreciate the whimsy of Jez Butterworth's and the focus of character of Phoebe Waller Bridge. In literature, Neil Gaiman, Octavia Butler, and Leigh Bardugo are among my favorites for their world building skills. The evolution of my writing has revealed some consistent elements that include allegorical representation and political themes. The power of theater, or indeed of any story-telling form, is in the use of a single experience to tell a bigger tale. My characters are both themselves, having a singular experience and reacting to that experience in a specific way, but also are all of us, collectively navigating an absurd but veritable reality. I use this technique not to pass judgement, but to highlight what is happening around us, at this very moment, and warn of what our reality could be if we do not do something about it. 

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: KimberlyLay Fraher

MORE ABOUT ME:
Why do I keep doing theater? I've experienced a few minor successes, sure. But I have more to say. And I'd like to expand into creating (and finishing!) a full length play. I explored my family's genealogy and I noticed that many times, the woman of the couple was listed as "NN," which means "no name." Of course she had a name--we just don't know what it was. How depressing--a full life lived to be forgotten except for the shadow of a few genes. I want to leave a legacy of a viewpoint, a perspective. I have something to say and want it to be heard past me. Even if my words are only discovered by my grandchild or great grandchild and don't get any further than that. I'm shouting into the darkness and am hoping there are ears in there to hear it. 

WHAT I'M WORKING ON:
I have about 4-5 full length plays that are creeping along, mostly forming (slowly) in my brain. A few have had the privilege of being typed out somewhat. Among these are "Rebel Play," "In the Bunker," and "Chester." 

KEYWORDS:
​Political, Immersive, Allegory