CONTACT

For all inquiries: eric [at] ericlanewrites [dot] com

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is deeply influenced by my perspective as a gay/queer Jewish man. This may appear directly in my play’s characters and the stories I choose to tell. Yet, even when I am creating characters very different from me on the surface, I still feel that my identity deeply influences my work – in my approach to character and story, my sense of community, and a broader worldview. My plays tell deeply human and personal stories. I approach my writing with kindness and humanity which is something that I feel we need more of in the world today.

I love to combine drama and humor — each playing off the other to heighten the overall impact. My study of music and love of language often infuse the rhythm of the dialogue. Growing up as a shy gay kid, I loved listening to the way people talked – what was being said directly and what was beneath the surface. There’s a simplicity and lyricism to my dialogue that combines with a deeper emotional story below.

My work is also affected by nature. My husband and I live on a lake at the edge of the woods in northwest New Jersey. This proximity to the outdoors continues to impact the imagery, characters, and stories I write. Raised in a family of strong Jewish women, multi-dimension women are at the center of my plays. Often, the characters who seem most different from me on the surface become the ones that are most fully developed, detailed and closest to me emotionally.

I see myself dedicated to a lifetime career as an artist. This commitment has allowed me to continually experiment with character, story and form — pushing myself to keep exploring new territory. My writing is understated and layered, trusting the actors, director, designers, and audience to bring their own identity, spirit, and intelligence to the performance. Coming together, we build a shared sense of community, expand our understanding, and grow.