Alana Valentine has carved a career bringing other people’s lives to the stage. Often labelled a verbatim playwright, Alana has consistently pushed the boundaries of the form to find deeper truths and create what she describes as ‘close work theatre’. In Bowerbird she brings her know-how to the page combining stories from her life with observations from her experience. She talks about the hunger that drives artists, the importance of listening, the way to develop and sustain relationships with a particular community, different interview techniques, as well as how to navigate the path between artistic integrity and community relationships. She shares moments from her life and reflects on how they underpin her plays and her writing process. Bowerbird is a book full of insights that you will find yourself quoting in surprising contexts and casual conversations.