Pravin Wilkins has won the 2020 Theatre503 International Playwriting Award for new theatre writing, being chosen from over 1700 initial applicants.
Wilkins’ play Moreno was chosen from a five-strong shortlist and the California-based writer has picked up a cash prize of £6000. Wilkins’ will also see his play produced and performed at Theatre503 following a year of development and support, with further tour details to be announced at a later date. Additionally, the play will be published by Samuel French Ltd.
Moreno, set in an American football locker room, explores the intersection of sport and the Black Lives Matter movement.
The other shortlisted writers were Ayad Andrews, Gina Stevensen, Safaa Benson-Effiom and Zoe Ashford Cooper.
Established in 2014, the award is described by Theatre503 as “an unprecedented opportunity for emerging playwrights to be recognised for writing an outstanding, original piece of work for the stage.”
Wilkins has previously received the Eric Bowling Award from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Department of Theatre & Dance for his play, #takebackgraffitihall. The one-act protest piece focuses on the decision by UCSD to close the university’s art gallery.
Words by James Hanton.
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