Published Wednesday, 21 February, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
‘THE PLAY IS THE THING’ FOR QUEENSLAND TALENT: PREMIER
Premier Peter Beattie today encouraged aspiring Queensland playwrights to throw their hat in the ring for a highly-prized annual award.
Mr Beattie said entries have opened for the 2008-09 Premier’s Drama Award, themed Theatre and Public Life.
Not only is this the only playwriting competition in the country where a full stage production in a professional theatre company is up for grabs, but Mr Beattie said the finalists receive highly-prized internships at the Queensland Theatre Company.
“There is a growing body of fresh, creative and insightful playwriting out there and this award is all about nurturing our home-grown talents,” he said.
“Themed Theatre and Public Life it encourages entrants to combine theatre with the things that bring colour to life here in Queensland – our people, places, culture, history, politics and lifestyle.
“The State Government is very proud to offer the award and contribute to the professional and creative development of our local playwrights. On top of that, the award encourages debate and discussion about issues that are important to Queenslanders today.”
Queensland Theatre Company Artistic Director Michael Gow said the award recognised playwrights for their work in promoting healthy debate on aspects of Queensland society, and has proven popular with the public.
“People appreciate theatre that is relevant to their everyday lives and that they can relate to, and Queensland Theatre Company is able to deliver this to audiences through the award,” Michael said.
The 2006-07 award went to David Brown for his work The Estimator. It premieres at Queensland Theatre Company’s Bille Brown Studio from June 4 as part of this year’s Queensland Week celebrations.
“David’s play reveals how closely connected we are as Queenslanders,” Michael said. “It’s entertaining and at the same time questions darker, underlying themes associated with redemption and forgiveness, race relations, dislocation and Australian patriotic sensibility.”
Entries for the 2008-09 award close on October 31, 2007.
In December, Queensland Theatre Company will select three plays as finalists and they will undergo further development next year. The playwrights chosen will each receive a development fee, and the winning play will be announced at the end of 2008 and staged in the company’s 2009 season.
The Queensland Government is providing $230,000 to Queensland Theatre Company for the development, management, promotion and staging of the 2008-09 award.
Supporting sponsors include BDO Kendalls and Griffith University.
For more information on the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award – Theatre and Public Life visit www.qldtheatreco.com.au or phone 07 3010 7607.
February 21, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 07 3224 4500
Mr Beattie said entries have opened for the 2008-09 Premier’s Drama Award, themed Theatre and Public Life.
Not only is this the only playwriting competition in the country where a full stage production in a professional theatre company is up for grabs, but Mr Beattie said the finalists receive highly-prized internships at the Queensland Theatre Company.
“There is a growing body of fresh, creative and insightful playwriting out there and this award is all about nurturing our home-grown talents,” he said.
“Themed Theatre and Public Life it encourages entrants to combine theatre with the things that bring colour to life here in Queensland – our people, places, culture, history, politics and lifestyle.
“The State Government is very proud to offer the award and contribute to the professional and creative development of our local playwrights. On top of that, the award encourages debate and discussion about issues that are important to Queenslanders today.”
Queensland Theatre Company Artistic Director Michael Gow said the award recognised playwrights for their work in promoting healthy debate on aspects of Queensland society, and has proven popular with the public.
“People appreciate theatre that is relevant to their everyday lives and that they can relate to, and Queensland Theatre Company is able to deliver this to audiences through the award,” Michael said.
The 2006-07 award went to David Brown for his work The Estimator. It premieres at Queensland Theatre Company’s Bille Brown Studio from June 4 as part of this year’s Queensland Week celebrations.
“David’s play reveals how closely connected we are as Queenslanders,” Michael said. “It’s entertaining and at the same time questions darker, underlying themes associated with redemption and forgiveness, race relations, dislocation and Australian patriotic sensibility.”
Entries for the 2008-09 award close on October 31, 2007.
In December, Queensland Theatre Company will select three plays as finalists and they will undergo further development next year. The playwrights chosen will each receive a development fee, and the winning play will be announced at the end of 2008 and staged in the company’s 2009 season.
The Queensland Government is providing $230,000 to Queensland Theatre Company for the development, management, promotion and staging of the 2008-09 award.
Supporting sponsors include BDO Kendalls and Griffith University.
For more information on the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award – Theatre and Public Life visit www.qldtheatreco.com.au or phone 07 3010 7607.
February 21, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 07 3224 4500