55th Annual Alberta Playwriting Competition Shortlist Announced
After reading and responding to the 40 entries to this year’s competition the 3-person jury has selected the following plays and playwrights to this year’s shortlist.
Shortlisted Plays:
The Resurrectionists by Meg Braem
From the jury – “The Resurectionists is a compelling period drama with a clear, forward-moving dramatic action. The characters undergo surprising transformations over the course of this play.”
The Takeoff by Collin Doyle
From the jury – “The Takeoff is an ensemble play about complex relationships–both familial and romantic. Not only is this playwright’s dialogue full of humour and pathos, they have created a three-dimensional world with bodies in space, keeping multiple storylines on stage at the same time.”
Amber Hope Porter by Beth Graham
From the jury – “Genuine, surprising and compelling characters in a moving story of love, loss and finding belonging. A piece about finding the extraordinary right next door. It went straight to my heart and gently reminded me of our need for connection.”
The Extractionist by Michaela Jeffery
From the jury – “A tight compelling thriller with a strong female lead and a surprise ending! This play is ready for a stylish production.”
Riverkeeper by Katherine Koller
From the jury – “An epic journey of pursuing memory to understand our parent’s choices, revealing ourselves in the process. This piece has theatrical scope and scale in its physical exploration of uncovering the past within its complex family dynamics. Beautifully imagistic! There is grace in letting go.”
The Fiancee by Holly Lewis
From the jury – “A skillful farce set post-WWII that wonderfully places the women in the traditional male lead roles. Fast-paced, silly, and delightfully sweet – you will root for the sisters at the center of it all. This writer is one to watch.”
How To Make A Metis by Tereasa Maillie
From the jury – “A contemporary look at what it means to claim your own identity. A touching and comedic play that will appeal to audiences of all kinds. Summer-stock take note.”
The deliberation process was very challenging and the jury all commented on the high quality of work being written in the province.
The Grand Prize and Novitiate Prize recipients will be announced on Zoom on Friday, June 25th at 3pm. We will also be making an announcement about the future of the competition and awards. To RSVP to the announcement, please email info@albertaplaywrights.com.
