The art of getting lost
I frequently get lost in stories. Some stories are the ones I read in books, other stories are written by me for other people to get lost in. I love stories where imagination punches holes in what we call 'reality' and wanders far beyond the boundaries into a realm that we have rather carelessly labelled 'fantasy'. If my brain starts to feel a bit mangled and I can't hold onto a plot, all the better. I'm currently reading The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. I've read it before, but just like a character in her story, if you stay too long you get hopelessly lost in the many layers of stories and time that are embraced. It's a wonderful immersion in beautiful storytelling way beyond the boundaries where all the edges are insubstantial and wispy.
The best stories though, are the ones we live every day. I say 'best', but I think the need to conform to a life with hard edges and a requirement to not stray too far from acceptable experiences, rather dampens a lot of stories (and therefore life). Trying to stay within safe non-stressful (ha!) storytelling lines in our daily life can make it rather predictable and definitely recognisable, and some people prefer it like that. Fair enough.
My play May Contain Nuts! is a bit like that at the beginning. The protagonist is trying to write a safe story that he can control, but his imagination runs away with (or from?) him. Far more exciting than the kitchen sink dramas he was creating, although maybe a bit more stress than he was anticipating...
Where do dolls fit in?
Well, heres the thing... everything fits in. We tell stories about everything. But, we are particularly good at creating stories for dolls that are created to look human(ish). We can related to them better than, for example, a cup cake. Although, should we create a world where cup cakes wander about doing stuff, we'd happily write stories for them too. There are no limits to imagination - only to the personal one we chose to wield.
A doll can be a friend, or a companion. Some people give them roles to play out that add value to their own stories. We all did this as children - 'make-believe' we called it! We should never stop actively creating stories. At times in the past, I might come across a teddy or soft toy from my son's childhood, but I can't throw them out (and nor can he). They are passed to grandchildren - to remain a part of the family. Not objects, but loyal friends offering comfort and companionship. They have character and carry years of stories.
If I could, I would actively encourage anyone to a. embrace imagination and live fearlessly and b. take a friend with you! Whether a doll, another object, animal or creature - create a world where your imagination can thrive and your life can be enriched.