The Bush theatre has launched a campaign to find new writing talent in West London, with a view to staging selected plays in its autumn/winter season.
The initiative, entitled Be Discovered, is a collaboration between the Shepherd’s Bush venue and ANGLE theatre, which launched a similar venture in East London in 2009.
Led by ANGLE patron and playwright Roy Williams, the new collaboration hopes to reach fledgling, previously unproduced writers across the boroughs of Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Hounslow, Harrow and Hillingdon. According to ANGLE founder Charlotte Gwinner, the campaign aims to “unearth raw and charismatic new writing and takes its inspiration from local people.”
ANGLE’s original East London initiative attracted 100 submissions, half of which were from first-time writers. Three plays were chosen to be produced at Hackney Empire Studios and two of the writers were subsequently offered opportunities by the Royal Court and Bush theatre.
Speaking about the new initiative, Bush theatre Artistic Director Josie Rourke said: “Everyone at the Bush theatre is thrilled to be working with ANGLE on this important and deep-reaching project. ANGLE is second to none at reaching out to the quieter and underrepresented voices in London. The Bush is delighted to bring them West this year.”
Williams, whose work includes Sing Yer Heart Out For The Lads and last year’s Sucker Punch, added: “Schemes like these are more important than ever to find new writers; young and old. Growing up in the local area, I’m delighted to be the patron of ANGLE at the Bush.”
Budding local writers have until 30 June to submit their work. Shortlisted playwrights will then be given the chance to develop their work with professional directors and actors, before seeing their play presented as part of the Bush theatre’s autumn/winter season.
By that time, the Bush will have moved from its current home above an O’Neill’s pub to a new, permanent dwelling in the old library on Uxbridge Road. The move, which takes place in October, will increase the theatre’s capacity to 140 seats and allow more space for rehearsals, hospitality, offices and dressing rooms.
CB