Tara Theatre this week launched submissions for the 2024 NOVA Playwriting Seed Commissions. NOVA is a unique opportunity for playwrights with South Asian heritage (or connections to) and invites writers to submit their work and receive a seed commission worth £1,500, mentoring and support culminating in a public performance with a professional company at Tara Theatre.
Submissions should be inspired by the themes of the Climate Emergency, War and Protest, and Automation. Writers are also encouraged to submit politically activated works outside these themes. Original ideas, adaptations and revivals will all be considered.
Established to expand the canon of South Asian voices, NOVA is a vital way of finding and developing Global Majority talent through hands-on support and mentoring, as well as supporting writers with making the leap to a public performance.
In addition to the seed commission and public performance, successful applicants will receive writing masterclasses and dramaturgical support from Tara Theatre’s in-house team, in-kind space, facilitated audience feedback and networking and producing opportunities.
Submissions are open until Thursday 1 August. Successful applicants will be notified in October 2024 with rehearsals and the showcase in May 2025.
Artistic Director & Joint CEO Natasha Kathi-Chandra and Helen Jeffreys, Executive Director and Joint CEO said about NOVA:
“We’re inviting writers to think big! We are excited to be developing and showcasing new work from writers of South Asian heritage and growing the canon of exceptional South Asian plays. The themes of Climate Emergency, War and Protest and AI speak to our roots as a politically-driven theatre and reflect the urgent issues that directly affect South Asian diaspora communities locally, nationally and internationally. We can’t wait to welcome new voices to Tara Theatre and widen the pool of Global Majority voices and stories.”
More information on NOVA here.
For more information please contact becca@taratheatre.com
