New Writing Forum At The Royal Court

The Royal Court’s New Writing Forum will see a panel of some of the leading figures in British drama, and some of the most exciting young playwrights, putting the state of new writing in Britain under the microscope. The New Writing Forum is part of the Royal Court Young Writers Festival 2007, and fulfils the Royal Court’s commitment never to become complacent about the emergence of new writing talent.

The panel will be chaired by playwright Leo Butler (LUCKY DOG, REDUNDANT), who is also the Writers’ Tutor for the Royal Court Young Writers Programme. Other members of the panel will include: Bola Agbaje (a young playwright whose first play GONE TOO FAR runs from 2-17 February as part of the Young Writers Festival), Michael Billington (chief drama critic, The Guardian), Dominic Cooke (Artistic Director, Royal Court), David Eldridge (playwright) and Mel Kenyon (literary agent and former Literary Manager, Royal Court).

The aim of the forum is to investigate and evaluate the state of new writing today. Is new writing exciting, original and abundant enough? Are there sufficient opportunities for truly bold and creative voices to be heard? Or are there just too many mediocre new plays by average writers with nothing to say?

These questions, and many more, will be up for discussion, before the debate is thrown open to the floor. Audience members are invited to submit their own questions in advance by e-mailing them to ywp@royalcourttheatre.com.

The Royal Court has a long history of developing young writers, especially through the work of the Young Writers Programme, which is headed by Associate Director Ola Animashawun.

Full listings information:

NEW WRITING FORUM
Saturday 10 February 2007, 11am
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court
All tickets £5
Book online: royalcourttheatre.com
Royal Court Theatre
Sloane Square
London SW1W 8AS
Nearest tube: Sloane Square

YOUNG WRITERS FESTIVAL 2007
GONE TOO FAR!
by Bola Agbaje
1 – 17 February 2007
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Saturday matinees 4.00pm
Post-show Talk (date tbc)
Sign Interpreted Performance 8 February

THE ELEVENTH CAPITAL
By Alexandra Wood
22 February – 10 March 2007
Press Night: 26 February
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Saturday matinees 4.00pm
Post-show Talk (date tbc)
Sign Interpreted Performance (date tbc)

Tickets:
Gone Too Far / The Eleventh Capital: £15 (£10 conc)
Book online: royalcourttheatre.com