Playmarket has announced the programme for a forum designed to get the national theatre industry to come together around new New Zealand work, and is now inviting registrations from playwrights, playmakers, theatre producers and presenters.

The New Writing / New Producing Forum in March will consider the ways NZ plays are being developed, produced and toured, says Playmarket Director Mark Amery, and how we can build on our strengths.Playmarket has announced the programme for a forum designed to get the national theatre industry to come together around new New Zealand work, and is now inviting registrations from playwrights, playmakers, theatre producers and presenters.

The New Writing / New Producing Forum in March will consider the ways NZ plays are being developed, produced and toured, says Playmarket Director Mark Amery, and how we can build on our strengths.Playmarket welcomes registration from anyone interested in the creation and production of new New Zealand work anywhere in the world, be they a playwright, theatre practitioner or supporter.

Scheduled to coincide with the opening weekend of the Auckland Festival's bevy of exciting new NZ work and the PAANZ Performing Arts Market, as well as the inaugural Auckland Fringe, this two-day forum forms the second part of Playmarket's Aotearoa Playwrights Conference 08-09 development platform, funded by Creative New Zealand. There is also a parallel programme for choreographers, hosted by DANZ.

Two new New Zealand plays will be showcased, selected from those submitted for this year's Playmarket new New Zealand Play Award. New Zealand playwrights, producers and playmakers will present and lead discussions, including looking at the development processes, literary management, national and Auckland regional infrastructure, self-producing, and the international stage. Most importantly the weekend will be full of opportunities to meet each other over a drink or an issue of shared concern.

The programme is available to view at online as well as a registration form. Registration is due by 5pm Friday February 20. Speakers, facilitators and the plays to be presented will be announced in the new year in an updated forum programme. The forum is on March 6-8, in Auckland at The Edge.

Registration is free to all Playmarket client playwrights and members. If you are not a Playmarket member ($30 Playwrights, $40 non-playwright Fan membership) please register by return email and join up either on-line or on arrival at the forum.

"The forum," says Mark Amery, "is part of Playmarket's recognition that both Auckland and New Zealand theatre are at an important stage in their growth, as established and independent activity continues to grow nationally, with much to be gained from a weekend providing for mixing and mingling, inspiring visions and hearty relaxed discussion between all participants. We invite you to join us there not as an audience but as a participant."

22/12/08