Beeta Universal Arts Foundation, a social impact organization focused on the development of the arts in Nigeria and Africa, has announced the sixth edition of its playwright competition.
The Bikiya Graham-Douglas-led foundation focused on the development of the performing arts ecosystem in Nigeria, calls for submissions from talented playwrights aged 18 to 40 years, for a chance to win $3,000 grand prize, a publishing deal with the foundation’s partner, Paperworth Books, and a live production of the winning play.
Top ten finalists of the competition will have the opportunity to be a part of a capacity building workshop, and possible tour of specially selected plays with the Utopia Theatre, in the UK led by Mojisola Elufowoju.
Speaking of the prize, Bikiya Graham-Douglas said the competition was inspired by the observation of a vacuum in the documenting of contemporary playwrights. “I found myself as an actress and producer constantly looking for new materials to no avail, hence, our decision to create this platform. It’s been very rewarding to see all these young people writing and telling their own version of our history. They deserve our applause.”
The competition’s jury members include veteran playwright, Ahmed Yerima; actress Ego Boyo; theatre director and co-founder, PAW Studios, Kenneth Uphopho; Shuaibu Husseini and Paperworth Book publisher and founder, Ibiso Graham-Douglas.
Former winners of the competition are Paul Ugbede’s Our Son the Minister, Abdul Qudus-Ibrahim’s Jagagba, Achalugo Chioma Ezekobe’sDaughters of the East, Temilolu Fosudo’s Black Dust and recently, Femi Akande’s The Mask We Wear which won the fifth edition.
