What will you write in 2023?
Whether you are an aspiring or established playwright, MWT is the place to be in 2023. We have dramaturgical programs, production opportunities, an innovative new Monologues series and some inspiring monthly Workshops we’d like you all to read about, find out more about and get involved in!
Submissions for Page to Stage 2023 closed on 30th April and four scripts written by MWT playwrights have now been selected for further development. EOIs for Gasworks Script Lab, a dramaturgical program that MWT will present in partnership with Gasworks Arts Park for the very first time in 2023, closed on 19th May and selection is now underway. And MWT was thrilled to present the inaugural winner of The Amethyst Award, The Critical Marriage by Mark Andrew, in a successful season at Gasworks Arts Park.
The second half of 2023 will bring further opportunities for the development of new writing by MWT members, and we’d love you to be a part of this journey. So take a moment to wander through our website and find out what we can offer you. If you’re not already a member of Melbourne Writers’ Theatre, we encourage you to join. Wherever you come from, whoever you are and whatever you like to write, MWT is here to support you and your creative goals.
2023 CALENDAR
Our monthly Workshops are held on the first TUESDAY of the month from 7pm – 8pm, and usually via Zoom. After each workshop, attendees can choose to stay online for an informal chat. Where workshops and events are presented on-site, they may also be livestreamed . Details of our 2023 sessions can be found on the EVENTS page – below is the Calendar at a glance.
February 7
Workshop #1
Show Don’t Tell – the Power of Sub-Text
Facilitator: Naomi Sumner Chan
*Zoom
This first workshop for 2021 will be preceded at 6pm by the Annual General Meeting. All MWT members are welcome to attend.
March 7
Workshop #2
Finding an Authentic Monologue Voice
Q&A Panel session with playwrights Alison Knight & Louise Hopewell
* Zoom
April 11
EVENT
Melbourne Cat. Secret Weapon.
A rehearsed reading of the new play by Mykhailo Krupnik.
* Zoom
May 2
EVENT
The Yarra Monologues
Part 1: Readings of New Scripts by Actors
* Richmond Theatrette
June 6
Workshop #3
Is Melbourne Fringe for you?
* Zoom
July 4
Workshop #4
Showreel Night – readings & recordings of new MWT play excerpts
* Performance Space, Library at the Dock
August 1
Workshop #5
The Winter Read
A discussion of a selected play
* Zoom
September 6
EVENT
The Yarra Monologues
Part 2: Reading of New Scripts by Actors
* Richmond Theatrette
October 3
Workshop #6
Six Weeks Out – how to Produce
* Zoom
November 11 – 12
EVENT
The Stage Door Readings
Page to Stage 2022
* On-site and live-streamed
December 6
EVENT
The December Play
* Zoom
Show photos captured by assorted photographers, including John A. Edwards, Cosima Gilbert and Anna Moloney Heath.
P a g e
t o
STAGE
2 0 2 3
Q & A with Mark Andrew
In February 2023 Mark was awarded The Amethyst Award for his new play The Critical Marriage, which will be presented at Gasworks Arts Park from 3rd – 13th May 2023.
We asked Mark about his inspiration for writing this play.
QUESTION
Why did you write The Critical Marriage?
My motivation for writing The Critical Marriage emerged from an interest in ‘futures’, both individual and societal. During the story’s conception I was working with Oxford University, taking a deep dive into academia including at The Future of Humanity Institute, an interdisciplinary centre asking big questions about humanity and its prospects. I grew the story primarily through the rarefied language of two invented intellectuals, each with fascinating areas of expertise (economics and evolutionary psychology). The theme of existential futures provided an inquisitive frame to examine my characters and their choices – an unexpected and rewarding accident.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Mark’s short plays have been produced in five countries including: The Arts Centre Fairfax Theatre Melbourne, The Seymour Centre Sydney, La Mama’s Courthouse, Dante’s in Fitzroy, The Little Theatre Williamstown, The Newtown Theatre, Chapel-off-Chapel, The Secret Rose Theatre (LA), Manchester’s Leigh Centurion (UK), The Performing Arts Centre (KL), and The Herald Theatre (NZ). A highlight was Jim Beaver (Deadwood, Supernatural, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) selecting two of Mark’s plays to perform in at LA’s The Secret Rose Theatre. Mark’s longer plays have featured as part of MWT’s seasons (Time’s Arrow, directed by Shannon Woollard), The Melbourne Fringe (Bomb the Base, directed by Louise Howlett) and Dante’s in Fitzroy (Seven of Hearts, directed by Wayne Pearne). Mark’s short story Sunday was commended by literary editor Jason Stegler in The Age.
Watch THE CRITICAL MARRIAGE
The Critical Marriage will be presented at Gasworks Arts Park from 3rd – 13th May. To find our more and buy a ticket, click here.
Photos:
Mark Andrew (photo supplied by playwright). The Critical Marriage (credit: MWT).
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