In a world where playwrights often find themselves in the spotlight, it's refreshing to delve into the story of John Godber, a Yorkshire legend who has dedicated his life to giving voice to the underdogs. As he celebrates his 70th birthday, Godber's passion for writing remains unwavering, and his latest play, "This Is The Life," showcases a new direction in his career.
A Playwright's Journey
Born and raised in Upton, Godber's roots are firmly planted in the mining communities of West Yorkshire. Despite his success and association with Hull, where he served as artistic director at Hull Truck Theatre for 25 years, he hasn't forgotten his humble beginnings. A chance encounter with a friend's friend, a fellow Yorkshire lass with a PhD from Oxford, sparked a realization: his writing has always been drawn to the struggles of the less fortunate.
"If you start writing plays about a bloke who's 70 with an OBE and lives in Swanland, your life has probably been sorted out by then," Godber muses. "But my writing always seems to be drawn to the underdog. I suppose you go back to sport and to Up 'n' Under. I wrote about the underdog in rugby league. I guess everything I've written is about people who either have a lack of opportunities or people struggling, that's where I see the drama is."
The Underdog's Champion
Godber's candid nature is a hallmark of his Yorkshire heritage, and it's this honesty that has kept him fighting for the underdogs throughout his career. His latest play, "This Is The Life," continues this tradition, but with a twist. For the first time, Godber is writing about the theater itself, exploring the lives of two stage managers who, despite their crucial role, often go unnoticed.
"I'm writing about it from the point of view of two stage managers. Again, I'm coming at the subject matter from a pretty low starting point, two people who don't get the kudos they deserve. They sit in the dark, servants to the people around the stage and the spotlight, not dissimilar to Bouncers or the servants in Black Tie Ball that toured last year, or an amateur rugby league team who can't even get seven players."
A Discussion on Accessibility and Neoliberalism
"This Is The Life" also delves into the broader issues facing the arts industry. Godber highlights the rising cost of theater tickets, which he believes is elitist, and the threat of commercialization. The play's setting, a local theater facing closure due to the sale of its land for luxury flats, serves as a metaphor for the wider discussion on neoliberalism and the value we place on the arts.
"If you look at theater pricing, tickets have gone through the roof. You can go and see a play in the West End for what we used to pay for a week's holiday in Spain. I've got a couple of quid, but I resent paying that kind of money. That is elitist. I've always been about making theater that anybody can go and see."
The Influence of Family and Words
Godber's writing is deeply influenced by his upbringing and the power of words. His father, an autodidact and a widely read member of the Labour party, introduced him to the Reader's Digest, which sparked his love for language. Godber's own childhood was filled with love and support, a far cry from the broken homes often associated with writers. Yet, it was this very stability that fueled his desire to create, to give voice to those who might not have had the same opportunities.
A Legacy of Passion and Commitment
At 70, with over 70 plays under his belt, Godber's commitment to his craft remains unwavering. He wakes up early to work, driven by the same excitement he felt at the beginning of his career. His daughters, Elizabeth and Martha, have followed in his footsteps, continuing the Godber legacy in the theater. As he speaks at the Aberford Literature Festival, Godber's influence on Yorkshire's cultural landscape is undeniable.
"I get up very early to work, then I go into the house. This morning I said to Jane 'I've had a good morning'. She said 'John, you're an internationally renowned writer, why shouldn't you have a good morning'. I'm still excited about the work, and fortunately, it seems to be coming as easily now as it always has."
John Godber's story is a testament to the power of storytelling, and his dedication to giving a voice to the underdogs is a reminder of the impact one person can have on the world.
