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WGGB's (Writers Guild of Great Britain) reaction to ACW announcement on new writing. WGGB is tremendously disappointed by ACW and their pathetic announcement regarding new theatre writing in Wales. "After all this time and consultation is that all you can come up with?" The final plan for new writing in Wales does nothing to promote the writing of play texts in Wales, and offers only token support towards their professional production. This review has obviously just been a cost cutting exercise from start to finish and WGGB will hold ACW accountable for any reduction in the level of work for playwrights in Wales as a result of the changes they propose. We are disgusted by officers at ACW who talk of the 'prioritisation' of new writing in Wales when the current budget for new writing will be cut by almost a third. "How can this be prioritisation?" We do not approve of a bilingual development/production company, and are outraged by the plan to award only a 9 month franchise. This will create even more instability and insecurity in an 'industry' (if you can call it that anymore) which is already suffering. There are only 18 new plays commissioned in Wales every year. WGGB will not accept a reduction in this figure and we are monitoring the situation closely. Mr Tom Middlehurst AM, assured officers from WGGB at a face-to-face meeting that the purpose of this drama strategy was to create employment for Welsh playwrights, and we will hold ACW to this commitment. Mr Middlehurst told us, "If the number of new plays being produced in Wales falls from its current number then this drama strategy will have failed, and the Arts Council will have failed." WGGB no longer feels ACW respects or values Welsh playwrights and our craft. We no longer find ACW relevant to our needs as playwrights as they clearly do not understand our anxieties, or even more worrying, our industry. We have asked ACW to review their decision, but we're not going to hold our breath. We are taking our campaign to a national level and invite all Wales based playwrights to contact us to register your objection to the drama strategy on new writing. |
| Writers Guild web site: |
| Roger Williams e-mail: rogerwilliams@msn.com |
Monday, November 1, 1999 |
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