Les Semaines Galloises

News

by Georgia Snow - Apr 27, 2016

Sherman Cymru has launched a new writing programme aimed at discovering contemporary Welsh-language playwrights.

It is the third new writing scheme run by the Cardiff-based theatre, which said it marked its commitment to investing in the future of playwriting in Wales.

Through the scheme, called Brig (Welsh for ‘peak’), the Sherman is running an open submission process for scripts in the Welsh language, with the successful text being developed by the theatre’s creative team.

The chosen play will be developed over a week-long period, before receiving a rehearsed reading with professional actors at the Sherman as well as a showcase at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in August.

The successful writer will receive a fee to cover their time in the development process.

Sherman associate director Gethin Evans, who is running Brig, said the programme was borne out of a need to encourage Welsh-language writers.

"This has been a really interesting process in terms of the Welsh language. There is a very different process in terms of engaging and supporting Welsh-language writers – they maybe need a little more support. We want to know who those writers are, where they are and what they want to say,” he told The Stage.

He added: “We want to answer that call and make sure that we are investing in the best emerging and established Welsh playwrights, who want to tell their stories in Welsh.”

Brig runs alongside the Sherman's biannual short plays initiative, Taith, for early-career writers, and the Welsh Playwrights Programme, which offers workshops to 12 playwrights from across Wales.

Evans said that the addition of Brig would bring another strand of writing development to the Sherman.

"I feel like there is a really nice path for a playwrights now within the organisation," he said.

Writers are being asked to submit scripts of between 40 and 50 minutes, which feature no more than three actors. Submissions are open until June 6.