The Notorious P-Y-G is a new adaptation of Shaw's 'Pygmalion', the brilliant 1912 play that became 'My Fair Lady.' As with last year's film 'rtown,' the young writers of the D.C. Creative Writing Workshop breathe new life into a classic comedy by finding the universal in it. Their page-for-page adaptation sets the story in their own world of contemporary Southeast DC, where they uncover fascinating parallels (and opposites) to Shaw's setting, language, theme and especially characters.
Many of DCCWW's writers have grown up with the program as a primary creative outlet. Along with a prolific poetry program, the workshop serves as the only Theater Arts opportunity offered at Hart Middle School. The students see several theater productions each year, read one play intensively (they have also worked with the Greeks, Marlowe and Wilder) and act in their own adaptations. Even after leaving Hart (where the program is based) alumni at Ballou and other high schools return each day after school to write, act and mentor younger artists.
Professional theater directors and teaching artists come direct the students in the staged versions of their adaptations; last year with 'rtown,' DCCWW added the element of creating a film version; The Notorious P-Y-G is our second film.
The film, trailer and blooper reel (always a favorite) are available on DVD--Be sure to visit dccww.org to request one, or find out more about how you can support this extraordinary program.
Please also share this film as widely as you can to get the word out about these young artists' impressive creative achievement. Share this link, or contact us about publicly screening the film.
