Working Title at Penguin Plays Rough

Overview

When Sir Allen Lane stood daydreaming on an Exeter station in 1935, letting the seeds for Penguin Books take hold, he probably didn't imagine that his range of, intelligent books at a low prices would one day be roughed up, played with, and soaked in semillon at a ramshackle flat above a convenience store on King St, Newtown. But he'd probably approve, as both Penguin Books and Penguin Plays Rough, a monthly night for writers, share an abiding love for literature and low prices.

We caught up with the co-creator, Elly King, to find out more

Why did you start Penguin Plays Rough?

We wanted Sydney's emerging writers to have a place to tell their stories. A place for fans of the written word to get cosy, drink wine and soak up something new.

Who runs it?

It's run by myself and Pip Smith but it's kind of a family affair. Our flatmate Tarik is our poster design genius and you can probably catch the fourth and fifth members of the household, Monika and Vincent the cat, manning the door at some stage.

If you could bully one book in an alley, what would it be?

A Tale of Two Cities. That book gave me ample grief in high school to justify being bullied. Every time I hear the opening line, It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, I want to cry. Hang on, I am bullying it, or is it bullying me?

Word of advice to young Sydney writers?

Carry a notebook. People watch. Find the fascinating. Come to Penguin Plays Rough every third Monday on the month. Bag a wildcard spot and read us a story!

This month PENGUIN plays ROUGH is teaming up with Monthly Friend to bring you Working Title, with five writer/performers unlocking the stories behind seven slides from one motel room...