Writer's Corner - Interviews: Karen Poulsen, Playwright

Karen Poulsen has written and adapted several stories for Public Libraries. These stories include puppet shows, creative dramatics, Reader's Theatre, and storytelling programs.

Ms. Poulsen received a Superior Honor's Award for a 53-page publication on "Increasing the Participation of Fourth Grade Students in a Storytelling Festival." It was selected for publication in the Educational Resources Center (ERIC). This document is part of the permanent collection in all Nova Universities and Florida Educational Resource Centers.She designed and developed a 50-page Docent Training Manual used to train tour guides in County Government and cultural and historical locations. In addition, Ms. Poulsen received a Volusia County Women's Honor Roll Award for her five years as newsletter editor.

Her educational background includes a B.A. in Theatre Arts and M.S. in Educational Media. She has performed in and directed numerous stage productions including summer stock and off-Broadway. Her previous occupation as a Paralegal, has given Ms. Poulsen great insight into the court system and inspired her to write Lizzie Borden: In a New Light.

How did you become interested in the case of Lizzie Borden?

Back in 1976, it was about 11:30 at night and I was alone watching The Legend of Lizzie Borden. The ending surprised me so much, I had to sleep with a light on, if I slept at all. After that I did a little research and found some newspaper information that I could use to edit and prepare a monologue for my acting class.

As I played Lizzie, it was the first time I was able to really feel the character. The director and other actors could feel it also and I think it changed the way I approached acting. I continued to use the monologue for auditions and showcases.

How did you prepare for your writing of the play?

I have collected books and other materials over the years and visited Fall River 3 times. I went to the Library, Historical Society, Cemetery, and stood outside of both houses taking pictures, like most who are interested in Lizzie.

Over 2 years ago I was in an original play. After working closely with the playwright, I realized how my idea for a Lizzie play might work. I started collecting even more materials and returned to Fall River for a fourth time and bought out the Historical Society and Bed and Breakfast. My husband and I spent the night at the B & B and spent all day in the basement achives at the Historical Society. It took a year to research and write.

Were there any/many obstacles in completing your play?

I guess my biggest obstacle was also really helpful. I was promoted at work about 4 months after I started writing the play. I pretty much stopped for 4 more months. When I picked it back up, I added an interesting character, named a murderer, and changed the ending!

What do your friends/family think of your interest in this case?

As I mentioned my husband helped with research and put up with all my re-writes and Lizzie memorabilia. He loved posing as Andrew and Abby at the B & B.

My parents helped with proof reading and were good outside observers.

My friends are also actors and directors. A director friend let me come into her acting class and work with her actors on a cold reading. My husband was the stage manager and my 9 & 11 year old children also read parts. Some of the actors had a hard time sleeping after reading it. Some didn't even know who Lizzie was. They also helped by doing a walk through with scripts. It was very helpful to me in the editing process. They all have continued to have interest in Lizzie and can't wait for an opportunity to perform in the play.

Do you have any future plans for the work?

I have sent the script to some theaters and some in the area theaters are interested in producing the play. The Daytona Playhouse is seriously considering it for 2003. I have also applied for a grant with the State of Florida. If it is awarded, it could go towards the production, promotion, and development of the script.

Do you have any other Lizzie-related works in progress?

Funny you should ask. A friend and playwright from New York was visiting recently and made some good suggestions. I decided rather than making the changes in the first play, I would write another that was similar but that will probably be easier to produce. It has less characters, fewer settings and time changes. Another difference is that it is not as true to the time sequence and characters as the first play. I like both right now. Lizzie's such a great topic to write about in any form.