Bringing Tea Talker to Life

The creative process is a magical journey, often starting in one form and evolving into something entirely new. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with The Big Tree Players on their wonderful version of Billy Canning’s play “Through the Chair.” When asked to help edit the video of the play, I found myself inspired by the lines and performances, leading to the creation of a unique song titled “Tea Talker.” Here’s a glimpse into that transformative process.

“Through the Chair” is a captivating play, rich with emotion and depth. The Big Tree Players brought the script to life with such vigor and authenticity that it was impossible not to be moved. As I watched the performances, I noticed how the cast’s language and phrasing lent themselves to a rhythmic and melodic structure. This observation sparked the idea of transforming the essence of the play into a song.

Interpreting dialogue into lyrics was a fascinating challenge. Each line in the play carried weight and meaning, and it was essential to preserve that integrity while also fitting it into the framework of a song. The process involved selecting lines that resonated deeply, both in context and in their standalone potential as lyrics. The aim was to weave these lines together to tell a cohesive story, much like the narrative arc of the play itself.

To give “Tea Talker” its musical foundation, Van Morrison’s classic hit “Brown Eyed Girl” was selected by a member of the group as the skeleton. This choice was deliberate, as the upbeat, nostalgic feel of “Brown Eyed Girl” provided a perfect contrast to the more poignant themes in “Through the Chair.” The challenge was to retain the spirit of the original song while infusing it with the new narrative inspired by the play.

Creating “Tea Talker” initially, my task was to edit the video of the play. This provided a deep familiarity with the material, essential for the subsequent steps. I carefully selected lines from the play that would serve as the song’s lyrics. This required a keen ear for dialogue that could double as song lyrics.  The chosen lines were then arranged to create a new story, one that mirrored the play’s themes but stood on its own as a song. Using the structure of “Brown Eyed Girl,” I adapted the new lyrics to create a fresh song that is vibrant and fun on the ear.

The creation of “Tea Talker” is a testament to the talent and dedication of The Big Tree Players. Their performances in “Through the Chair” were nothing short of inspiring, and it was an honor to reinterpret their work in a new medium. The song serves as both a tribute to their hard work and a celebration of the play’s impact.

Working on this project has been an enriching experience, and I eagerly await The Big Tree Players’ next production. Their ability to bring stories to life on stage is truly remarkable, and I hope to continue collaborating with them in the future.

“Tea Talker” stands as a reminder of the endless possibilities when different forms of art intersect. It’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the power of storytelling. To The Big Tree Players, thank you for the inspiration, and here’s to many more shared creative journeys ahead.