New Writing SouthConceived by New Writing South and Chichester Festival Theatre, the programme offered twelve young writers aged between 16 and 25 based in the South East, the opportunity to work with screen and theatre writer Suhayla El Bushra, in ten tailor-made workshops to inspire and develop them as playwrights. The participants did not need any previous experience as a playwright, but a passion for writing and a desire to give it a go were essential.
Rupert Rowbotham, Director of Learning and Participation at Chichester Festival Theatre, explained: ‘When I came to CFT two years ago I was struck by the thriving youth theatre and passionate engagement of young people, and Dale Rooks (the Youth Theatre Director) and I both felt that the skills being shared in these sessions could and should be diversified to reflect all of the skills that theatre employed. Then I met with New Writing South – I had heard what excellent work they were doing – and found that Chris shared the same ambition.’
The programme ran every other Saturday, enabling the writers to create work and send to Suhayla for feedback between sessions. Suhayla brought a range of experience to the programme. She completed an MA in screenwriting five years ago and since then has worked on TV series’ including Doctors, had scripts and pilots optioned by TV companies and set up a new writing night at the Nightingale Theatre in Brighton, where she has had her own plays performed. Suhayla explained: ‘I think this programme worked as it provided young writers with a supportive environment in which to discuss their work with others and to hear their work read out on a regular basis. It’s invaluable.’
One of the participants, Paul Vigg, 24, said, ‘I most enjoyed meeting other writers and engaging with them, which is not something I often get to do. Meeting other writers to discuss my own work and theirs is very rewarding.’
The young playwrights created a five minute script each which was directed and shaped, and performed in front of family and friends.
Now several of the pieces are being developed and are to be performed as Play Pod as part of this seasons programme at Chichester Festival Theatre on 14 August 2010. Play Pod will be directed by the Festival Associate and Assistant Directors, and performed by Festival actors, it will be an exciting, short showcase of tomorrow's playwrights. For more information visit the CFT website.
