BBC Cymru Wales, National Theatre Wales and the BBC Writersroom today announce the four finalists of the 2016 Wales Drama Award. The four finalists are Hardey Speight, William Smith, Jon Jones and Bethan Marlow. They have all be invited to meet the judges and discuss their ideas before the winner is selected.The finalists have been selected from over 250 other Wales-based drama writers by a panel of judges, including Julie Gardner MBE, producer and co-founder of Bad Wolf, Kully Thiarai, Artistic Director of National Theatre Wales, Anne Edyvean, Head of BBC Writersoom and Bethan Jones, Executive Producer with the BBC. The winner will receive £10,000 and the opportunity to develop their work with BBC Cymru Wales and National Theatre Wales. The selected writer will be announced at a special ceremony at Yr Hen Lyfrgell in Cardiff on the evening of Tuesday 22nd November. The Wales Drama Award is a collaboration between two creative leaders in drama – BBC Cymru Wales and National Theatre Wales – in close partnership with BBC Writersroom. This is the third time this prestigious award for writers based in Wales has been presented. Speaking on behalf of the judges, Anne Edyvean from BBC Writersroom, said: “Our aim is to find bold, original writers based in Wales. This year we’re really excited by the four finalists who all bring fresh perspectives to their unique stories and contribute something new to the creative landscape in Wales.” Bethan Jones, Executive Producer with the BBC and member of the judging panel said: “Finding the time to write and the support to develop can be really difficult at the beginning of a writer's career. This competition is all about rewarding and supporting scriptwriting potential. No one should underestimate how brave writers have to be when they first share their work and were really grateful to everyone who entered their script. It's been a difficult decision but we're delighted to have four strong finalists." Kully Thiarai, Artistic Director of National Theatre Wales and judges’ panel member said: "Validation and support are so critical in any artist’s creative development, and the Wales Drama Award plays an important role in discovering, nurturing, showcasing and giving visibility to writers in Wales. The four shortlisted writers prove that there's a real diversity of talent and ideas here, and they will, no doubt, all create great work in the years ahead.” Issued by BBC Cymru Wales Communications and National Theatre Wales |
| National Theatre Wales web site: http://nationaltheatrewales.org |
| Catrin Rogers e-mail: catrinrogers@nationaltheatrewales.org |
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 |
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