2017
2017
Playwriting Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands that we work on and pays respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationships with the land as well as their stories and storytellers.
Rarriwuy Hick, Songrites Program 2016 Photo Credit: Andre Vasquez
Playwriting Australia
www.pwa.org.au
2017
Welcome to Playwriting Australia’s 2017 program. And Happy 10th Birthday to us.
New for 2017 we’ll be forging longterm partnerships with leading theatre companies in Ignition, offering yearlong collaborations through Duologue and piloting a regional playwright development program in Outposts.
Writing a new Australian work is an act of unparalleled bravery. Finding a new mode to invent, explore and encounter the world, to create entire universes in small rooms, remains one of the greatest artistic endeavours. But a play tumbling out fully formed is uncommonly rare. A play is made by hard labour. By months, years, of sweating it line by line to make it extraordinary.
We’ve a vision of a playwriting culture in Australia that looks like the country we all live in. We continue to partner with First Nations companies to advance the number, range and calibre of Indigenous plays. The Lotus Asian-Australian Playwriting Project is making real waves. Three works supported through Lotus will be produced this year, a sure sign of real change in our culture.
And that’s where Playwriting Australia fits in. Each year, we work with over 100 playwrights to support exceptional new writing. We partner with theatre companies across the country who share our passion. We work with dozens of Australia’s greatest actors, directors and dramaturgs.
We’re living in uncharted times, serious times. All the things we think we know are up for grabs. And amongst the maelstrom, it’s incredibly affirming to know that writers are reflecting, distilling and making sense of the world for us. It’s never been more important for Australian playwrights to be excellent, for theatres to be courageous and for audiences to be inspired and challenged.
In ten years, hundreds of plays that have been developed with PWA have been produced across Australia. This year, our program is bursting with opportunities for writers, theatre companies and creative artists. The next National Play Festival will be in 2018, but we do have an expanded suite of script development programs, including the National Script Workshop, Rapid Fire and Longform.
I hope our 2017 program helps in some small way. Tim Roseman Artistic Director
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We must make room for the new. We must place it at the centre of what we do. — Andrew Bovell
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Fallen by Seanna van Helten National Script Workshop 2016 Photo: Enzo Amato
Playwriting Australia
2017
www.pwa.org.au
New Play Development We seek, develop and champion new Australian stories for the stage. Writing a play is momentous. Supporting its journey to the stage skilfully, carefully and lovingly is Playwriting Australia’s reason to exist. We provide playwrights at all levels of their careers with time, space and creative guidance to explore and refine their work. The suite of script development programs that we offer is vast, it is varied, and it is flexible. These writer-led programs give Australian playwrights support from the best actors, directors and dramaturgs in the country, so they can fully realise the potential of their scripts.
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Playwriting Australia
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Mumurations by Julian Larnach National Script Workshop 2016 Photo Credit: Enzo Amato
www.pwa.org.au
2017
Supporting new scripts Playwriting Australia offers three core new play development pathways. National Script Workshop Our intensive creative development process of one or two weeks with actors, dramaturg and director. Rapid Fire A one-day workshop for playwrights to hear their script read by professional actors and receive immediate feedback. Longform Up to six months of one-on-one dramaturgical support with an established dramaturg. Closing Dates 23 January — All playwrights Workshops in March/April, Sydney & Perth 24 July — All playwrights Workshops in October/November, Sydney & Perth
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Playwriting Australia
2017
New Play Development
PWA Lab
Duologue
The PWA Lab is a week-long workshop opportunity celebrating the role of playwrights in non-traditional playmaking processes. We offer opportunities for playwrights to bring their unique skills to an ever-widening theatre-making practice. Playwriting Australia will provide each project with a week to workshop a new idea, a new partnership or a new form of storytelling.
A new program, designed to help with the loneliness of the long distance writer. Collaboration undertaken over time, with dramaturgs and other artists, is crucial to successful development of a new work. Duologue will champion mid-career and established writers, the most overlooked sector of the playwriting community. Playwrights can apply for a year-long creative partnership with a dramaturg or creative artist of their choosing in a bespoke working framework. You decide the best way to spend the time with your favourite dramaturg.
Closing Dates 27 February – All artists Workshop dates determined by project
Closing Dates 7 April — Mid-career and established playwrights Collaborations between dramaturgs and creatives, throughout 2017
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National Play Festival 2016 (Melbourne) Photo: Cameron Hart
2017
The novel allows me to escape into my own imagination. The stage allows me the same, but to take a whole audience with me, live, every night. — Kate Mulvany
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www.pwa.org.au
Playwriting Australia
2017
New Play Development
Ignition
Co-Commissions
Ignition is a 5-year creative scriptdevelopment program in partnership with producing companies across Australia. It aims to increase the range, ambition, diversity and quality of Australian playwriting, leading to new landmark productions. It provides resources to develop scripts to an exceptional quality. Projects of ambition and/or embracing cultural representation are supported over a 12-24 month period, through an annual expression of interest.
In 2017 three new full-length plays co-commissioned in partnership with Playwriting Australia hit our stages; The Homosexuals or ‘Faggots’ by Declan Greene at Griffin and Malthouse Djurra by Romaine Moreton at NORPA Mark Colvin’s Kidney by Tommy Murphy at Belvoir. We are partnering with the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts to co-commission four short plays from local playwrights Gita Bezard, Chris Isaacs, Finn O’Branagáin and Hellie Turner, which will be directed and performed by WAAPA students.
Closing Dates 25 September — Producing companies, venues, festivals For projects commencing in 2018
See PWA Supported Plays on Stage section for production dates.
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www.pwa.org.au
2017
New Play Development
First Peoples Playwrights Retreat
WA Program We continue our Western Australian program with a focus on the craft of more established playwrights in 2017. WA writers will be supported through our National Script Workshops, Rapid Fire and Longform programs. WA writers are invited to submit to either of our 2017 Submission dates.
After a successful pilot in 2015, the second retreat will take place in February 2017 at Bundanon in regional NSW. The program brings together established and mid-career First Nations writers as participants. They are given precious time to write, imagine and dream in a peer-led community celebrating the exchange of ideas, creative collaboration and professional growth.
Following the appointment of Reg Cribb as our WA Playwright in Residence for 2016-17 we will be appointing a new WA Playwright in Residence for 2017-18. Our dramaturgy training program with the Blue Room Theatre led by renowned dramaturg Peter Matheson completes its course. We continue developing new First Nations stories in partnership with Yirra Yaakin.
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Regional Playwright Support The Erin Thomas Fund supports playwrights who live outside of major capital cities by funding their travel costs. This allows regional playwrights to attend opportunities that will assist their artistic development. This travel bursary was established by the Thomas Family and Playwriting Australia to commemorate Erin’s optimism, creative talent and to further her generous contribution by supporting emerging writers. Closing Dates Year-round application No closing date
Submissions for New Play Development Programs For guidelines, further information and applications to the above programs, your first stop is our website, pwa.org.au/programmes
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Murmurations by Julian Larnach National Script Workshop 2016 Photo Credit: Enzo Amato
Playwriting Australia
2017
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www.pwa.org.au
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Casey Donovan and Albie Wright Songrites Program, 2013 Photo Credit: Sydney Opera House
2017 Playwriting Australia
www.pwa.org.au
2017
More Voices We work towards a playwriting culture that reflects the whole of Australia The Muru Project
Lotus: Asian – Australian Playwrights Program
In partnership with Moogahlin Performing Arts, The Muru Project is an initiative aimed at new writers from Sydney’s First Nations peoples. It provides a pathway to engage in storytelling and playwriting. An introductory workshop was held in May 2016. In 2017 we move to the second step, The Muru Project: A Writing Salon. Over six months, it will:
In its third year, Lotus is supporting the development of six extraordinary new voices and stories from AsianAustralian perspectives. Each of the writers will be mentored by PWA artistic staff through 2017, culminating in week-long workshops of their work. The Lotus program is a partnership with Contemporary Asian Australian Performance and supported by the Girgensohn Foundation.
– Provide time, space and creative expertise for new writers, as they turn their ideas into a play script – Provide support and guidance from established playwrights – Provide a opportunity to develop their artistic craft within a First People’s Community
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Playwriting Australia
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More Voices
Songrites
From Page to Stage
Our partnership with the Sydney Opera House continues with three celebrated First Peoples actors from across Australia, taking their first steps in writing stories for the stage. They will participate in a series of workshops and creative developments, supported by an exceptional team of theatre artists with the support of PWA artistic staff.
A new partnership with the National Theatre of Parramatta, From Page to Stage is a high level training program which provides a unique opportunity for emerging writers in Western Sydney. Ten playwrights will undertake an intensive playwriting course that includes mentorship and script development opportunities. Further information on these programs can be obtained by contacting PWA, at info@pwa.org.au
Outposts Outposts is a new writer development salon for artists in regional Australia, developed in partnership with the Jibb Foundation. This program is looking to unearth new playwrights with unheard voices. It will provide longterm creative development support for new works reflecting the lives, loves and points of view of playwrights outside of the capital cities. In 2017/18 Outposts will be piloted in Albury Wodonga in partnership with Hothouse Theatre.
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Skylab by Melodie Reynolds-Diarra National Play Festival 2016 (Melbourne) Photo: Cameron Hart
Playwrights are the great imaginers of our culture.
– Leah Purcell
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www.pwa.org.au 2017
2017
A play’s job is to engage the imaginations of the director, designer, composer, choreographer and actors. — Hilary Bell
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Murmurations by Julian Larnach National Script Workshop 2016 Photo Credit: Enzo Amato
Playwriting Australia
www.pwa.org.au
2017
Creatives Academy New plays demand a unique set of skills and expertise. The Creatives Academy is designed for theatremakers working with new plays. Its aim is to ensure that those developing new writing have the necessary skills for that process. Dramaturgy Training
Directors’ Studio
In 2017 we will continue our longrunning dramaturg development program, to ensure that Australian work is nourished and developed in the best possible way. Since 2012 we have nurtured the practice of over 70 emerging dramaturgs across Australia.
We will offer a Directors’ Studio, focusing on the dynamics of directing new plays. Participants will gain tools for creative development, vocabulary for production and techniques for working with text. These tools will allow them to realise and enhance a playwright’s vision.
Details of this year’s programs coming soon, keep abreast at: pwa.org.au/programmes/creatives-academy
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2017 Playwriting Australia
Zen and the Art of Table Tennis by Melissa Reeves National Play Festival 2016 (Melbourne) Photo Credit: Cameron Hart
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www.pwa.org.au
2017
Advocacy Elevating the status of Australian playwrights in our culture, ensuring diversity in Australian theatre and promoting the excellence of Australian playwriting, through a commitment to research, collaboration and development, are key platforms for the advocacy work of Playwriting Australia. We do this by ensuring playwrights participate in all our decision making, from our Board to our selection of projects and artists to support, as well as regular advisory meetings with artists across the country.
We are working with the Australian Writers Guild and industry leaders to create a new model for best practise in the development and support of new writing. We will carry on conversations across the country to share ideas, information and find solutions to the challenges of our industry. These will be as much about art and craft as the issues we collectively face. Our programs will continue to respond to these issues as they evolve over time.
Our programs for artists of underrepresented backgrounds have already had a tremendous impact and we will continue to use these programs, as well as our presence at major industry events and meetings, to advocate for even more inclusion on our stages.
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PWA Supported Plays in Production Which Way Home by Katie Beckett Ilbijerri Theatre, Belvoir & Sydney Festival, Sydney 11 – 29 January State Exchange Ich Nibber Dibber by post – Mish Grigor, Zoë Coombs Marr & Natalie Rose Campbelltown Arts Centre & Sydney Festival, Sydney 21 – 28 January PWA Lab The Book of Life by Joe Lui Blue Room, Perth 31 January – 4 February National Script Workshop A Strategic Plan by Ross Mueller Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney 27 January – 11 March National Script Workshop Alone Outside by Liz Newell Blue Room, Perth 7 – 11 February Longform Single Asian Female by Michelle Law La Boite Theatre, Brisbane 11 February – 4 March Lotus Asian-Australian Playwrights Program
The Trouble with Harry by Lachlan Philpott Seymour Centre, Sydney 16 February – 3 March National Script Workshop Mark Colvin’s Kidney by Tommy Murphy Belvoir, Sydney 25 February – 2 March Riverside 5 – 8 April Co-commission New Fitz – 10 new plays across the year Old Fitz Theatre, Sydney 28 February – 17 December One-on-one dramaturgy The Bleeding Tree by Angus Cerini Sydney Theatre Company & Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney 9 March – 8 April National Script Workshop The Homosexuals or ‘Faggots’ by Declan Greene Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne 17 February – 12 March Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney 17 March – 29 April Co-commission
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www.pwa.org.au
2017
The Rasputin Affair by Kate Mulvany Ensemble Theatre, Sydney 1 – 30 April National Script Workshop Fallen by Seanna van Helten Seymour Centre, Sydney 6 – 22 April National Script Workshop Blue Bones by Merlynn Tong Playlab and Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane 4 – 13 May Lotus Asian–Australian Playwrights Program Sista Girl by Elena Carapetis & Alexis West State Theatre Company SA, Adelaide Then national touring 30 May – 3 June National Script Workshop Thérèse Raquin by Gary Abrahams Adapted from the novel by Emile Zola Merrigong Theatre Company, Wollongong Touring Nationally in June and July National Play Festival
Petit Four Short Plays by Gita Bezard, Chris Isaacs, Finn O’Branagáin & Hellie Turner WAAPA Petit Fours, Perth Chris Isaac’s play will also be performed at the 9th Asia Pacific Bureau Meet in Shanghai, 3 - 6 June 16 – 22 June Co-commissions Rice by Michele Lee Hothouse Theatre, Wodonga 21 July – 26 August Queensland Theatre Company, Brisbane 29 August – 2 September Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney 24 June – 16 July National Script Workshop 2015 and National Play Festival Australian Graffiti by Disapol Savetsila Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney 7 July – 12 August Lotus Asian-Australian Playwrights Program Big Heart by Patricia Cornelius Theatreworks, Melbourne 7 – 24 September National Script Workshop Djurra by Romaine Moreton NORPA, Lismore 29 November – 2 December Co-commission
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2017
Let’s write plays that are so full of life and ideas and struggle there’s fodder for any number of revisits. - Michael Gow
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Pedagogy by Chris Summers National Play Festival 2016 (Melbourne) Photo: Cameron Hart
Playwriting Australia
www.pwa.org.au
2017
Share Our Passion We have been doing this essential work with Australian playwrights for ten years now, creating an artist-led cultural change in theatre. Share our Passion To see this vision realised, we: – Seek unparalleled talent and connect it with opportunity – Commit space, time and support for the expression of ideas, creation and craft – Unearth new voices – Create a legacy of extraordinary Australian stories – Aspire to change the make-up of Australian new writing within a generation
Our essential work with Australian playwrights can only happen with the support of extraordinary people. We cannot do this vital work without your help and that of our existing partners. A special thanks to our current donors for their generosity and dedication. Contact our General Manager Michelle Kotevski to find out how your tax-deductible donation can support the future of Australian theatre. michelle@pwa.org.au 02 8274 0907 More info: pwa.org.au/info-for-donors
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Playwriting Australia
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Our Partners Government Partners
Philanthropic Partners
Creative Partners
Game Changers Kim Williams Peter Wilson & James Emmett Darin Cooper Foundation
Visionaries Helen Bauer & Helen Lynch AM Andrew & Cathy Cameron Peter John Inge Leslie Parsonage
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www.pwa.org.au
PWA Team Staff
Board
Tim Roseman Artistic Director
Peter Wilson (Chair) Managing Director, Greenhill Australia
Michelle Kotevski General Manager
Andrew Bovell Playwright
Iain Sinclair Resident Dramaturg
David Berthold Artistic Director, Brisbane Festival
Leila Enright Artistic Co-ordinator
Angela Betzien Playwright
Jorjia Gillis Program Co-ordinator
Cathy Cameron Philanthropist
Reg Cribb WA Playwright in Residence
Matthew McCarron Partner, KPMG Deanne Weir Managing Director, Content Aggregation & Wholesale, Foxtel
Playwriting Australia is a not-for-profit organisation endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient. All donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. 
Playwriting Australia Level 3, 10 Hickson Road The Rocks, NSW 2000 P 02 8274 0900 E info@pwa.org.au W www.pwa.org.au ABN 36 124 652 884 Facebook PlaywritingAustralia Twitter @playwritingaus Instagram @playwritingaus All details in this brochure are correct at time of printing, but may change due to unavoidable circumstances. Please visit our website or contact us for most up to date details.
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