Workshop for writers

Press, 15 January 1986, Page 19

Workshop for writers

The fourth New Zealand playwrights’ workshop will be held at Lincoln College, from August 31 to September 7. The national workshop, organised by. Playmarket, the New Zealand playwrights agency and script assessment service, is held once every two years. The 1986 workshop is supported by the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council of New Zealand and the “New Zealand Times.” “It’s become an important event in the New Zealand theatre calendar,” said Playmarket’s director Miss

Nonnita Rees. “It gives writers an opportunity to work intensively on their scripts with professional directors and actors and an experienced dramaturge Past workshops have launched Greg McGee’s “Foreskin’s Lament,” Renee’s “Wednesday to Come,” Hilary Beaton’s “Outside In,” Carolyn Burns’ “Objection Overruled” and other plays. “The workshops also bring together writers, directors, actors, dramaturges and people interested in the development of professional theatre from all

parts of the country. They are forums for debate about theatre.” Miss Rees said both exK?rienced and inexperienced ew Zealand writers were invited to submit scripts for the workshop. “These must be sent to Playmarket by March 1, together with an application form which is available from us.” The 1986 workshop will be the first fully residential workshop, the first held in the South Island and will involve a new selection process for plays. Final selection of plays-

cripts will be made by a specially appointed committee. Members are a Wellington director and script editor Philippa Campbell; the Dunedin playwright Roger Hall; an Auckland actor and teacher Elizabeth Mcßae; a Wellington director and actor Susan Wilson; and Miss Rees. Miss Rees said the committee would also make recommendations on staff for the workshop, based on the plays selected. Invitations would go out to professional directors and actors at the end of April.