Anything You Say is a short play about a young woman who is manipulated by her boyfriend into taking the fall for a crime she didn’t commit.
Why is this play special? Because I wrote it.
This was my first play, and getting to see it performed on stage was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Looking back now, I can honestly say I loved every second of it. The actors brought the story to life in ways I never could have imagined, and seeing something that once only existed in my head become real was incredible.
More than anything, this play explores trust, control, and how easy it can be to lose yourself while trying to protect someone else. It’s emotional, tense, and uncomfortable at times, but that’s what made it meaningful. I wanted audiences to leave questioning how far loyalty should really go and how manipulation can exist even in relationships that seem loving on the surface.
Instead of this just being me ranting about a play you’ve never heard of, I’ll answer some questions you might have.
How did this begin?
Long story short, Nathan Hillman and I directed prewritten one-act plays last year. It was a short-lived experience for him since he only had one performance, but overall it was fun and rewarding. That experience inspired me to write my own play this year, and I knew there was no one better to help me than Nathan. While we were getting ready to start, one of my other friends, Serenity Arrington, overheard us and wanted to join. So it became the three of us (with probably way too much confidence) but somehow, we got it done.
How was the writing process?
Truthfully, it was long, exhausting, and really stressful. I had to focus on the smallest details while also knowing when to let some things go. I wrote, rewrote, and rewrote again. One scene in particular (the confrontation between the main character and her boyfriend near the end) was rewritten multiple times because I struggled to make the manipulation feel realistic instead of overly dramatic. I wanted the audience to slowly realize what was happening at the same time the character did.
I definitely sacrificed a lot of my other work to focus on this play. It helped having someone willing to read it over and over again and give feedback (thank you, Cydney Perry) but it was still a huge workload. Rehearsals also came with challenges. Trying to balance serious emotional scenes with pacing on stage was harder than I expected, especially in such a short performance.
Was the process worth it?
Absolutely. Now that the performances are over, I can confidently say it was worth every stressful moment. Watching the actors perform was life changing. They did an amazing job capturing the emotions of the characters and making the story feel real. Hearing audience reactions, seeing people connect with the play, and realizing that something I created could actually impact people was unforgettable.
I’m especially proud that this was my first play. Of course there are things I would improve now, but I think that’s part of growing as a writer. Overall, I’m just grateful the drama team brought it to life so beautifully.
What made you choose to write a play about manipulation?
At first, we just wanted to create something unique while still being true to real life. But as the story developed, I realized I wanted to explore the way manipulation often hides behind love, loyalty, or guilt. I wanted audiences to think about how difficult it can be to recognize toxic behavior when it comes from someone you trust. That idea became the emotional center of the play.
What now?
I’m not completely sure. I would love to keep creating and improving as a writer because this experience showed me how much I genuinely enjoy storytelling. Even though the process was difficult, seeing the final product made it all worth it. Whether this becomes a career path or stays a passion project, I know this play will always mean a lot to me.
Well, that’s all. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the drama team and this production. This experience is something I’ll never forget.
