The Cooper Prize | Finalists
The 16th Street Foundation is pleased to announce that after much deliberation they have selected four finalists for the inaugural Cooper Prize, a prestigious new global playwriting award aimed at fostering diverse artistic voices and advancing cultural discourse.
Head of the panel and Director Iain Sinclair says, "Applications for the Cooper Prize demonstrated that there are an extraordinary amount of unheard voices in our current theatrical environment."
The entries displayed a remarkable array of talent, particularly from Australian writers, and it was a great effort for the panel to narrow down. Sinclair continued, "The prize attracted a very strong field of over 160 entries, showcasing the power of heterodox perspective and a refreshing independence of thought and spirit.”
Kim Krejus, Artistic Director of 16th Street shared,
"My gratitude to Peter Cooper and Natalie Elliot for generously supporting this new 16th Street Foundation initiative."
Kim added that the generosity from Peter and Natalie, is at the heart of this new writing prize, "My appreciation extends beyond this writing prize. Their commitment to supporting the arts gives us all an opportunity to grow in understanding of the consequences of our actions and to take responsibility for the values we foster in ourselves and consequently the world."
The four finalists Christopher Stollery, Maeve Hook, Nick Maynard and Linda Pallota will have their works professionally read at The Cooper Prize Showcase, hosted at 16th Street Actors Studio in Melbourne, with event details to follow shortly. This evening will feature readings directed by esteemed dramaturg and mainstage theatre director Iain Sinclair, alongside a professional ensemble of talented actors.
The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the Cooper Prize winner, who will receive a $10,000 prize and consideration for a full production commission.
Introducing The Cooper Prize finalists:
‘SIMPLE’
by Maeve Hook
Four people fractured from society undertake a show wrestling program to re-qualify for the battle that is life. In the world. With other people.
Maeve Hook, (she/her) is a writer, director, actor, and co-founder of TART Theatre Collective. Maeve has a rich performance history in circus and is a BFA Acting graduate from Queensland University of Technology.
‘Redundant’
by Nick Maynard
What happens when you have time to meet your family for the first time? Tom has been made redundant and realises that he doesn’t recognise his family anymore. His wife - Jill - head teacher at a local comprehensive school - is disillusioned with education and was hoping to leave [but can’t now, because of Tom’s new situation]…
Nick Maynard graduated from the Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre and has since worked professionally within the Performing Arts Industry, both commercially and academically, creating and facilitating over 300 different stage shows as writer, director or producer.
‘Digital Support Group 75,200B’
by LINDA PALLOTTA
Soon departing for Mars in 2045, Digital Support Group # 75,200B, one of many groups throughout the world, plans it’s take-off to escape the effects of global warming poisoning the earth— or so they are told. Few decide to remain on earth-with dire consequences. A short, sci-fi video stageplay. Visual effects interspersed throughout.
Linda an eclectic playwright with roots as a journalist, Linda strives to create situations thwarting alienation in her audience. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, her writing was launched as a reporter for 'Newsday' when she graduated from New York University as a journalism major.
‘The Copernican’
by Christopher Stollery
If you find this 'Post-Truth Age' confusing, consider what it was like in the ‘Pre-truth’ age - when superstition, religious dogma and blind faith made things so much simpler.
Christopher Stollery is a graduate of both the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and the Australian Film Television & Radio School (AFTRS). He brings a wealth of experience from stage and screen
