Downstage and the Consortium for Peace Studies at the University of Calgary in partnership with the School of Creative and Performing Arts are proud to announce the winners of the eighth annual Uprising National Playwriting Competition: Peace, Politics & Society. This competition celebrates playwrights whose work dynamically engages with social and political issues and/or promotes peace, social justice and human rights. First place was awarded to Robert Tsonos for his play It’s Time, and Makambe K Simamba received second place for her play MUD.
Robert Tsonos is a Canadian playwright, director, and actor. His play The Hum was produced in Hong Kong; has received readings in Toronto, London (UK), and in Palm Springs (CA); was a finalist for The Herman Voaden National Playwriting Competition; and published by Level 4 Press in “Regional Best 2012”. Other plays include William & James, In His Name, Sharnoozle!, Ice Age, among others. Robert is currently the playwright in residence at Globus Theatre
Makambe K Simamba is a Zambian-born artist who just completed a BFA in Dramatic Arts from the University of Lethbridge. She won the 2012 Alberta Playwright’s Network Discovery Prize for her original play, MUD and is a member of the 2013-2014 Playwright’s Unit at Obsidian Theatre in Toronto.
A free staged reading of It’s Time will take place Friday, December 6th at 7:30 pm in the Joyce and Quenten Doolittle Studio at the University of Calgary main campus (Second Floor, Craigie Hall, Block F). This is a free event and all are welcome – simply RSVP to ellen@downstage.ca to reserve a spot.
Click here to learn more about the winning plays and playwrights.
