The Royal Court is running an 11-week playwriting group starting in June 2012 to develop and nurture new playwrights of Chinese, East and South-East Asian descent. Each weekly session will involve sharing ideas, reading and talking about plays and writing exercises. Those in the group will work towards writing a new play, which we will read in consideration for production at the the Royal Court theatre situated in Sloane Square, London. No previous playwriting experience is needed and workshops are free of charge. 

The Royal Court Theatre is Britain’s leading national company dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world. The theatre’s pivotal role in promoting new voices is undisputed – the New York Times described it as ‘the most important theatre in Europe’. It was Britain’s first national theatre company, and has held firm to its vision of being a writers theatre. Its plays have challenged the artistic, social and political orthodoxy of the day, pushing back the boundaries of what was possible or acceptable.

After 50 years, writers, directors, actors and audiences still look to the Royal Court for the classics of the future. Plays that were once considered subversive, immoral or blasphemous are now studied in schools and performed all over the world. George Devine, the first Artistic Director of the Royal Court wanted to create a ‘vital, modern theatre of experiment’. 50 years on, that theatre stands at the centre of a vigorous, renewed culture of playwriting.

This is the second year that we are running the Unheard Voices Writers Programme, as last year was a great success it is an 11-week playwriting group.

To apply for the group, send your play or a sample of dramatic writing (at least 10 pages) alongside an enrollment form on the link provided below or send Nee Hao Magazine an email ([email protected]ao.co.uk) .

If your application is successful you’ll be invited to come to the weekly playwriting workshops at the Royal Court theatre, led by a professional playwright.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday 25th May 2012 

For further info go to www.royalcourttheatre.com

Special thanks to Alex Sayer The Royal Court Theatre