In 2017 we hosted our first ever PLAYWRIGHT-IN-RESIDENCE. The result was the development of our critically acclaimed production ‘The Dead Devils of Cockle Creek’ by Kathryn Marquet, which was let loose onto the La Boite Roundhouse stage in February. During her residency, Kathryn readied a major new work for the stage. She also shared her insights with aspiring artists throughout the state during a series of workshops on writing for theatre and mentored our young Playwright-in-Residence, Hannah Belansky, whose play, ‘A Cup of Tea’, is a finalist in the Queensland Premiers Drama Award.
With such a satisfying outcome, of course we want to make this a regular thing.
Our goal is to make the Residency program a permanent addition to our line-up of development opportunities, ensuring that each year at least one writer who is busting with a big idea is supported and nurtured to release their creativity during the development of new professional work.
At the heart of what we do is a belief that theatre is an agent for social change and that it expands our understanding of the past, challenges our present and speculates about our future. By offering playwrights a supportive space that privileges creative risk in terms of craft and story, with programs such as the PLAYWRIGHT-IN-RESIDENCE, we hope to identify new voices and build projects that share our vision.
The PLAYWRIGHT-IN-RESIDENCE program will provide at least one playwright with a professional fee as well as resources, a dedicated writers space and dramaturgical support.
In addition, Playlab will invest in a workshop with professional actors in order to develop a script of theirs to production ready standard. The PLAYWRIGHT-IN-RESIDENCE will in turn, mentor a young Playwright-in-Residence throughout the year.
Pleas support this exciting program and be part of the Playlab journey.
