Auckland playwrights will have no excuse for writer's block this year with the launch this month of Playmarket @ THE EDGE ®, a programme of courses, readings and performances to support developing playwrights.

The programme is a joint venture between THE EDGE and Playmarket, New Zealand's leading script development organisation and playwrights' agency.

Image: British playwright, Simon Stephens.Auckland playwrights will have no excuse for writer's block this year with the launch this month of Playmarket @ THE EDGE ®, a programme of courses, readings and performances to support developing playwrights.

The programme is a joint venture between THE EDGE and Playmarket, New Zealand's leading script development organisation and playwrights' agency.

Image: British playwright, Simon Stephens.The 2006 programme strengthens the partnership between Playmarket and THE EDGE ®, making the latter Auckland's home of playwright development.

The Playmarket @ THE EDGE ® programme of events will be launched on Tuesday 14th February at 5.30pm at Limelight, Level 3, Aotea Centre.

This invitation-only event precedes Emerging Voices: Simon Stephens at 7pm at which the leading British playwright will present a public reading of his new play, Motortown, together with a discussion of contemporary British playwriting, in association with British Council New Zealand.

"This is our biggest year yet in terms of developing theatre culture and we are thrilled to launch this programme with Emerging Voices featuring acclaimed British playwright, Simon Stephens," said Performing Arts Director at THE EDGE ®, Mr Robbie Macrae. "I am sure this event will provide an exciting and stimulating launch to what looks set to be a year of invigorating theatrical opportunities for writers, performers and audiences."

The events and initiatives included in the Playmarket @ THE EDGE ® programme include:
-Emerging Voices: Simon Stephens (February)
-Pasifika Playwrights' Development Forum, Pasifika 2006 (March)
-Exploding the Page (March/ May/ June/ July/ September/ October)
-Flip the Script (March/ May/ June/ July/ September/ October)
-URBIS 24 Hours Deadline Theatre (March)
-Studio Readings (April)
-Playwrights' Studio (August-November)
-New Zealand Young Playwrights Competition (December)

"THE EDGE ® is delighted to work with Playmarket on this dynamic programme and to continue to nurture the development of New Zealand playwrights," said Mr Macrae. "These programmes not only provide development opportunities for writers - both emerging and experienced - but also provides performers and patrons with a range of enriching performing arts experiences."

Director of Playmarket, which runs a National Script Development Programme, Mark Amery, said the partnership with THE EDGE ® gave the national playwrights' organisation an increased Auckland presence.

"We are thrilled to be able to present such a stimulating range of projects in Auckland," said Mr Amery. "Continued development opportunities are essential for our playwrights to not only develop their written work but to see it performed."

The programme includes numerous free events that are open to the public, including Mr Stephens' playreading on Tuesday 14th February. Mr Stephens, whose play On the Shore of the Wide World is a finalist in the Best New Play category of the prestigious Olivier Awards this year, will also work one-on-one with six emerging New Zealand playwrights during his visit. Forty seven playwrights have also been selected to take part in a two-day course with Mr Stephens. The courses will be held in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin.

Playmarket's National Script Development Programme is made possible with core funding from Creative New Zealand and Auckland City. Emerging Voices: Simon Stephens is presented by Playmarket, British Council NZ and THE EDGE ®.

http://www.the-edge.co.nz
http://www.playmarket.org.nz
http://www.britishcouncil.org.nz