As the IDGTF were unable to hold the 17th edition of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, they opened their first Bursary Programme. They received 39 applications, and would like to thank all of the playwrights for sending in their work.
IDGTF Artistic Director, Brian Merriman, had his work cut out for him. He was so impressed by the quality of the many plays that were sent in, that the Festival decided to expand the Bursary Programme!
They are now happy to announce the recipients of all 15 bursaries. More information on the playwrights and their plays can be found on the website here.
This is what Brian had to say about the submitted plays:
“The standard of new writing in a time when theatre is under such pressure is hugely encouraging. Our winning playwrights are straight, lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual with relevant stories to tell through theatre as an art form. We were greatly encouraged by the quality of the work of the 39 playwrights who embraced our genre in this call for new works.
It is essential that people recognise the pressures writers, performers and arts support personnel are enduring under this long compulsory closure of their sector arising from Covid-19. Theatre is a live genre – it is written for live performance, experience and engagement. It is not digital or film and mainly occurs in an intimate setting indoors. Covid renders this impossible at present. Theatre did not spread this virus, but it is paying a huge price.
The creation of opportunities for writers, especially new ones, has been at the core of our unique Festival since 2004. To provide a channel of expression for 39 new writers at this challenging time has made a difficult year, worthy of a celebration.
The Festival is very grateful to the supporters who helped fund these much needed bursaries, especially the family of the late owner of the Olympia Theatre, Gerry Sinnott, who was always an ally for LGBT artists to showcase their theatre work in the Olympia, under his tenure, which ended in 2000″.
Two Gerry Sinnott LGBT Ally Bursaries
Don’t B 2 Keen Mister Matchmaker
By Conrad Jones-Brangan
Narcissus
By William Dunleavy
Two Terrence McNally Bursaries
My Dead Husband’s Hereford Bull
By Anne Walsh Donnelly
Pat
By Michael Sheehan
Larry Kramer Bursary
A Man of No Importance
By Marcus Bateson
Two Pride Best Short Play Bursaries
First Dates
By Denis Horan
Strange Wind
By Nathan Everett Patterson
Eight Festival Diversity Short Play Bursaries
Who Pays The Bill
By Alix Bailey
Tess
By Saoirse Siné
Dose Hazel Doolin
By Rena Bryson (Eva’s Echo)
The Cleaner
By Lesley Conroy
Breathing Is The Only Thing I’m Good At
By Sam Killian
A Bird In The Hand
By Dammy Agunbiade
No One Cares
By Sarah McKenna Dunne
Aitchoo
By tasteinyourmouth
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