Lexington, KY - Margaret Price is a prolific local author, actress, advocate for live theater and playwright who has found success on and off the stage.
Currently, her holiday composition, "Looking for Mrs. Santa Claus," a musical featuring the work of two composers, Lisa Palas and Nancy Peacock, is being produced locally by Studio Players at the Carriage House (opening night is Nov. 17; see the sidebar for specific information).
Price started writing as a child. "We had creeks and fields and nature all around. I loved creating stories. I pretty much came into the world doing this," Price explains. "My family, growing up, was so supportive. My mother would encourage me by letting me put on plays, and she set up stages and an audience. My grandfather sent off one of my stories when I was 12. It wasn't published, but it was powerful to have that kind support and family believing in you."
As a student, Price had an insatiable appetite for learning. She attended Northwestern University in Illinois and received a degree in theater. After that, she attended law school at the University of Kentucky, but her creative instinct would not be denied. She brought her passion for life and justice to her legal career and wrote for the law journal, but quickly discovered the courtroom was not her path. While working as legal counsel for Lexington's ABC affiliate, she became actively involved in child advocacy serving on the Kentucky Bar Association's Children's Rights Committee.
A play she wrote, titled "Dove & Dandelion" --
about an attorney who is haunted by the spirits of children he once represented in the justice system -- was inspired by her advocacy work.
"I wanted to give voice to those who are often without a voice," Price said. The play toured nationally and was presented to the United States Senate on Capitol Hill as a tool to aid an understanding of child advocacy issues. The play was rewritten as a screenplay and produced, winning honors at the Louisville Film Festival.
Time spent in London, England, and in Los Angeles for work and study added new skills and inspirations. While in England, Price wrote a play, titled "Ungentle Truth," which came to the attention of Desmond Wilcox, the head of BBC's documentary department. From Wilcox, Price learned much about editing and production. Her screenplay went on to become an award-winning film.
Price has also worked as an actress. She performed with Actors Theatre of Louisville. "Live theater is so important," she said. "While I was with Actors Theatre, we brought theater straight to the streets. The program was called Summer Scene and we brought theater to inner-city neighborhoods and children who didn't have opportunities to experience such a thing. It was a wonderful program and one I would love to see happen in Lexington."
In her own work as an actress, and when working with other actors, Price finds valuable insight for her writing. "I see where, as the writer, it is thrilling to see your words come to life in the hands of an actor. In my acting, I have been able to inhabit the words and shape the work," she said. "Often, when my plays are being performed on stage or on film, I get the joy of learning from the actors as they find things to change or explore. It is an amazing collaboration. I am indebted to some wonderful actors who, over the years, have spoken my lines and taught me where I need to edit."
Price's interest in history led her to write and perform a series of one-woman dramas about a few of the notable women of Kentucky who impressed her with their indomitable spirit. These plays were performed at historic estates in Kentucky and profiled Susan Clay, daughter-in-law of Henry Clay; Catherine Hunt, John Hunt Morgan's mother; and Minnie Bullock, an owner of the historic Bodley-Bullock House.
Another historic Kentucky figure also inspired Price. The story of Belle Brezing, Kentucky's infamous "madame" who is said to be the inspiration for the Belle Watling character from "Gone With The Wind," spoke to both Price's interest in history and strong women, but also to her awareness of the shadowy world of childhood abuse and addiction.
"As I researched her, the play wrote itself," Price said. The fascinating story has been staged in Kentucky and Los Angeles, and was presented at the famous Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C.
Price's family, three daughters and her husband (plus two cherished dogs) inspire her every day and are often involved in her work. One recent book, titled "Smiley Pete: Magnificent Moocher" is illustrated by her daughter, Julie.