On generosity, and its contribution to new theatre
Melbourne Writers’ Theatre is powered by a culture of generosity. It starts with our passionate volunteers and flows out to those who are passionate about supporting new playwrights, new ideas, new theatre. To this end I want to acknowledge the ongoing generosity of Theatre Works, who are again opening their doors to us for the presentation of The Stage Door Readings in November. Also helping MWT to make new theatre happen are Cybec Foundation, The SBW Foundation and the Palais Theatre Community Fund who are new supporters – welcome! And MWT could not run as smoothly as it does without the backing of Our Community House. There are co-working spaces, and then there is OC House … it’s just easier to run an organisation when you are surrounded by colour, art, and colourful artists! Finally, it goes without saying that the MWT community itself is a generous one. We are constantly gratified to see MWT members sitting in the audience at our theatrical seasons, and if you were among the many who came to see JENNIE! written by Bruce Shearer, we hope you enjoyed this new play – your attendance helped to make it a sell-out season.
With three months of 2025 remaining, we are not winding down. Some of our most important annual events are about to unfold. Whether you have written a play, are planning a play or enjoy watching new plays being brought to life, here are some important MWT events to put in your diary:
UNESCO Workshop Series
Monday 11th, 18th & 25th November @ 7pm (Zoom)
Honestly, how lucky are we? Melbourne is a UNESCO City of Literature, and that means that writers’ organisations like MWT can apply to host an international Playwright-in-Residence. We’re excited to say that our application for a 2024 resident playwright has been successful, and on three of the four Monday nights in November you are warmly invited to join us for a 60-minute online workshop that will be facilitated by this incoming playwright. As I write this, we don’t know who our international guest will be. What’s certain is that you will learn a lot by attending these workshops – both about theatre craft and about how theatre is created in the writer’s country of origin. To find our more, click here. Some of you may remember that in 2021 we hosted Manchester playwright Naomi Sumner Chan, followed by Mykhailo Krupnik from Ukraine in 2022 This unique program brings acclaimed artists from the other side of the planet into our Zoom room, enriching us as writers and as human beings. Have your questions ready!
Gasworks Script Lab – Showcase Nights
Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd October @ Gasworks Arts Park
Over two nights, the 8 new short plays and 6 full-length plays (excerpts) written in this year’s Gasworks Script Lab creative development program will be shared with the community. Tickets will go on sale on 1st October!
The Stage Door Readings
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th November @ Theatre Works
Over one weekend, the 4 new full-length plays developed in this year’s Page to Stage dramaturgical program will be presented in The Stage Door Readings. Stay tuned for program and ticket details!
We’d love to see you soon – at any or all of these events. Until then, Happy Writing!
Clare Mendes
Company Manager
Melbourne Writers’ Theatre
