The international Playwrights Intensive Project will give playwrights an opportunity to explore Theatre for Young Audiences.
The project, which will run through 2015-2016, has two phases — an Indian Playwrights Intensive and an International Playwrights Intensive. The project is being organised by Assitej-India in collaboration with John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington DC). The project is an extension of the New Visions/New Voices festival toward highlighting and improving playwriting for Children’s Theatre. Bangalore Little Theatre (BLT) associates with Assitej-India and Kennedy Center in the project management tasks.
In an email interview, Vijay Padaki , Honorary President, Academy of Theatre Arts, BLT, gives an insight into the project. Excerpts:
What is the focus of the Playwright Intensive Project?
The slogan says it all: Write local, play global. The project is already announced. The last date for submissions is May 31. The selections will be done by July. There will be an India phase of selected play scripts in November. The international phase in and around Washington, DC, will be in May 2016.
How did the collaboration between BLT, and collaborate with ASSI-TEJ India and Kennedy Centre come about ?
There were two main factors. First, BLT is a member of Assitej. Because of our 55-year history and track record in good management, we are often consulted on organisational matters. This international project required high quality project management. I was an invitee at the meeting in Delhi where it took shape. It appeared natural for BLT to be invited to be a partner, and to take up the responsibility of project management.
What is the eligibility criteria and what will a participant learn through the project?
Anybody who is aligned to the Children’s Theatre movement can apply and submit a script. In Assitej we call it Theatre for Young Audiences – TYA. There are some limits prescribed for the duration of the play and the number of actors.
A detailed project announcement is available at BLT with information about the project, the eligibility conditions, the time frame and the selection process. The last date for receipt of applications with scripts is May 31. For more details write to tya.voices@gmail.com.
