Scene Theatre Sydney has discovered a talented generation of playwrights !
The eight selected entries are
Connery Brown
Mortdale, NSW
Connery rediscovered his love of creative writing during the pandemic. He first wrote an ambitious novel that has come in handy as a levelling wedge for his wonky writing desk. Since then, he has stuck to short stories and poems. This is his first ever play.
Bend It Like Beckett– A tip of the hat to Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, first staged 70 years ago. Bend it like Beckett* explores episodes in Beckett’s life which set the stage for his unique and bleak ‘theatre of the absurd’, as wellasgiving glimpses into his legacy. *With apologies to fans of the beautiful game who will be sorely disappointed this play is a football-free zone, with nary a goalpost in sight.
Paul Clarke
South Brisbane
Paul's writing in recent years has been focussed on short stories and plays, featuring Australian characters, past and present. Perhaps one day he may get around to writing about his experience many years ago, on holiday in a foreign country, where he suffered a health issue but had great difficulty being medically evacuated because he was suspected of being a spy!
The Team- It is the near future, and four applicants in the final stage of a selection process for a prestigious IT job are set an unusual task.In order towin the position, they must undertake a group exercise involving a unique and formidable challenge.
Katrina Samaras
Wollongong, NSW
Katrina has been involved in community theatre for many years. She began writing short plays in 2016, and her work has been performed across Australia. She’s an ex-librarian who now teaches dance part-time to adults.
The Museum of Tears - A man visits the mysterious Museum of Tears and receives the ultimate gift of love. This play grew from thinking about the nature of grief. My brother died a number of years ago, and my father still struggles with the grieving process.
Paul Bucci
Geelong, Victoria
Mine is a piss-take of a play covering a range of relevant issues but mainly focussed on the disparity between those with and those without and particularly addressing the housing crisis.
Allocateeism - Pensioners Dave and Mary are visited by State Government Reallocation Officer, George, who introduces them to a new government policy.
Kerri Gay
Low Head, Tasmania
I am a teacher and an award-winning actor and comedian but this is the first theatre play I have written for someone else's voice and the first writing competition I have entered. I am currently working on a local production of Death of a Salesman playing the role of Linda Loman.
Ubuntu - The friendships that last are few and far between. They become the real love stories. Two old friends are drinking red wine, sharing laughs and fighting tears. Singing too loudly, dancing fearlessly and giving opinions ferociously. Just a normal catch-up........
Donna Spillane
Seddon, Victoria
I am a High School English and Drama teacher and my strongest passion in life (besides my family) is acting, followed closely by writing. In my thirties I travelled all over the world paying my way through busking. I still sing a cappella, but mainly in the shower, although my students will sometimes con me into serenading them while they work.
Blowing the Whistle - While its primary focus is the importance of netball for young women in the 1970s and 80s, this play is also a tale of family and the secrets and lies we tell each other. It is in no way a reflection of my own family, except for the fact that the lead character is absolutely hopeless at netball!
Sally Bartley
Copacabana, NSW
I have lived in Copacabana for 33 years and am a life member of Wyong Drama Group. I have acted in too many plays to mention, the last one being the adult Jean Louise in To Kill A Mockingbird. I have had many of my short plays performed in Festivals such as Short and Sweet (Sydney, Canberra and New Delhi), Woy Woy Little Theatre Flash Festival and Port Players Festival of One Act Plays.
Walk a Mile - Alex and Sophia are hosting dinner with friends Alex and Fiona, but Sophia is less than keen. She's getting hot flushes and is really not too fond of the younger Fiona. Alex can't seem to put a step right. When the guests arrive, the arguments begin and it looks as though the women will never find common ground.
Steve North
Grafton, NSW
I came to Australia from London in 1968 to play soccer for Ballarat. Fast forward 20 years and I auditioned for a play at the Criterion Theatre in Grafton, and got the part! Since then I have acted in or directed about 40 community theatre productions. Never give up on your dreams, I say.
The Last Rehearsal - A theatre group have one las rehearsal before showtime. One by one, each cast and crew member walks out on the director. What is to become of the play? Why the mass walkout?