George Devine Award
The George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright goes to Talawa Writers' Programme writer and 2015 Alfred Fagon Award winner Theresa Ikoko for her play 'Girls' and Jane Upton for 'All the Little Lights'.
The George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright - the clue is in the name - is awarded to playwrights judged to have made an impact with their early work but who also demonstrate an individual voice and the ability to develop careers writing for theatre. Past winners include Mike Leigh, Elinor Cook, Nick Payne, and Charlene James. Winners receive £15000 and industry wide recognition for their achievement.
- Theresa Ikoko's play 'Normal' was first performed at Talawa Firsts in June 2014 before going on to play at High Tide Festival in 2015
- Girls received the 2015 Alfred Fagon Award
- Girls makes its London premiere in a co-production with Talawa Theatre Company, Soho Theatre and HighTide following its world premiere at the HighTide Festival, and is directed by Elayce Ismail (The Rise and Shine of Comrade Fiasco, Gate Theatre). It plays at Soho Theatre from Tue 27 Sep – Sat 29 Oct 2016
- Soho Theatre (27 Sept - 29 Oct 2016) - BOOK
- Birmingham Repertory Theatre (20-24 Sept) - BOOK
- HighTide Festival (5-18 Sept) - BOOK
Theresa Ikoko said:
"I was completely blown away, this was something I never ever expected. Winning means a lot to me. Not only when reflecting on the amazing writers who have won this before, but in particular, for me, because of whatthis story is. "
In Girls Haleema tells Tisana that nobody cares, and for so many people who feel forgotten and/or unworthy, that is their truth. Tisana rejects that truth, telling Haleema that she cares, and that others must.
The George Devine Award says to me that maybe, these amazing people in the industry are not only behind me, but that they got behind these three girls, recognised them, related to them and said "we care too". It's empowering, because this is the art I want to make, art that makes the world feel smaller and art that says "we care".
The award was set up in 1966 and is named for George Devine, the first Artistic Director of the English Stage Company at the Royal Court, who also co-founded the Old Vic Theatre School and Young Vic Company. Find out more about George Devine here.
The George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright was previously awarded to another Talawa Writers' Programme writer, Charlene James, who was also an a recipient of the Alfred Fagon Award in 2014.
Girls is a co-production with Talawa Theatre Company, Soho Theatre and HighTide