NOVEL-SCRIPT PROJECT III

Calling theatre script-writers!

The Novel-Script Project is an annual writer’s project that is co-ordinated by Twist Theatre Development Projects, in partnership with the Netherlands-based theatre group Siberia, the National Arts Festival, and the Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA).

This project brings together established and emerging writers from Holland and South Africa for a ten-day workshop in Grahamstown. Writers will be asked to create scenes based on a selected local novel (this year this will be Kopano Matlwa’s Spilt Milk) and will be mentored through the process of shaping and rewriting these scenes in order to further develop their craft.

One writer will be selected by a jury panel at the festival, and be commissioned to create a new play for the 2012 NAF Arena.

The workshop will be followed by a second phase in August/ September 2011, where selected writers will work with a Durban-based director and a community theatre group as part of the Twist project. The writers will be commissioned to write a new play in collaboration with these community theatre groups.

The project is looking for six South African writers to participate in this process. The Grahamstown workshop focuses on professional development and the further mastery of the craft of script-writing, and is not for first-time writers.

Writers must have proven theatre script-writing experience, be fluent in English and able to write in English. They must be computer literate, with their own lap-top computer. They must be open to constructive criticism and workshop processes.

Those wishing to take part must be available to be in Grahamstown between June 26 and July 8, 2011. They must also be prepared to work with community theatre groups and available to travel to Durban later in 2011 for follow-up work with Twist Theatre Development Projects.

To apply, send a short relevant CV of theatre writing experience as well as a sample of 2 pages from a recent theatre script (no TV/film, please). These documents must be emailed to info@twistprojects.co.za by February 25, 2011, before 16h00. No late entries will be considered.

Writers will be short-listed and a selection made by March 31, 2011.

Travel expenses and accommodation in Grahamstown will be provided, and a daily S&T allowance given to writers. There is no payment for participation in the workshop. However, those writers who are commissioned to work with community groups later in the year will be paid.

More information on 082 673 6662 or email: info@twistprojects.co.za