BBC World Service and the British Council Tuesday announced the winning entries for the 2023 International Radio Playwriting Competition.
The global competition offered a unique opportunity for playwrights to use the medium of radio drama to reach an international audience of millions across continents. This year there were 677 entries from 94 countries, with 380 in the English as a First Language category and 297 in the English as a Second Language category.
Topping the list of entries by global region were the Americas (196) and Africa (179). The other regions were: Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East and the Pacific. The judges were delighted to make their final selection from entries spread across 11 different countries and all 7 regions.
The 2023 Winning Entries
English as a First Language:
The Mighty Corbeau by Julien Marvin Neaves (Trinidad and Tobago)
An ageing calypso singer decides to come out of retirement to finally prove he is better than his award-winning rival of many years. But he is faced with a huge and unforeseen obstacle. A lively and poignant exploration of ageing and mental health.
English as a Second Language:
Steady Eyes by Hyukin Michaela Kwon (South Korea)
When a mysterious unseen force starts abducting animals from across the globe, human beings fear they will be next. So, three generations of women from a Seoul family attempt to resolve their long held differences. A bold and imaginative family drama with a sci-fi twist.
Special Commendation (Georgi Markov Award):
Slamming Doors by Nadya Todorova (Bulgaria)
Two strangers, both desperate to escape their respective partners, find themselves locked on the stairway of a city apartment block at night. As they search for the key they unearth truths about each other, their neighbours and themselves. A funny and sharply observed relationship drama about the lies that we tell and the secrets we keep.
Chair of the judging panel, Nigel Hastings, said this about the winning entries:
“The judges were particularly impressed by the way ‘The Mighty Corbeau’ uses the medium of audio drama to create an intriguing world and compelling story, whilst what made ‘Steady Eyes’ stand out is its original premise and audacious storytelling. Both winning entries were also commended for their specific sense of place, vivid characters and universal themes.”
Both winners will come to London in November to see their plays recorded for broadcast on the BBC World Service, and to attend a prize-giving ceremony. The Special Commendation is made for the runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov (1929-1978).
Julien Marvin Neaves, winner of the English As A First Language category, said: “I screamed for my wife when I read that I had won, and it took a few hours for my heart rate to return to normal. The Mighty Corbeau is a true slice of Trinidad and Tobago life, and I am deliriously excited to have this very Trini tale shared with the world. This prize is the culmination of a decades-long writing journey and a great honour.”
Hyukin Michaela Kwon, winner of the English As A Second Language category, said: “I wanted to earn the title of writer so much and can’t believe that not only can I call myself one now but I’ve become one by winning such a prestigious competition. Writing Steady Eyes was a healing experience, and I hope it has the same effects on the listeners.”
The scripts were judged by an esteemed judging panel, which this year included actor Shelley Conn, writer Ming Ho, Cathy Gomez (Theatre and Dance Programme Manager at British Council), Simon Pitts (BBC World Service), and actor/producer Nigel Hastings.
Simon Pitts, judge and Commissioning Editor of BBC World Service, says: “It is wonderful to read the work of so many of the world’s emerging writers, and we are delighted that the award continues to inspire such bold and imaginative work. Audio drama is 100 years old this year, and we are immensely proud of the role BBC World Service has in supporting storytellers who continue to evolve the genre.”
Neil Webb, Director of Theatre and Dance at the British Council, says: “This year’s entries from established and emerging writers around the world were an intriguing read. Many explored family, friendships and climate change, and they often evoked a powerful sense of uncertainty about the future. This competition is a reminder that writers can help us to connect with each other and think about what it means to be alive in the world today, with the challenges we face. At the British Council, we are proud to support the initiative as part of our programme to develop new playwrights around the world and to help global artists find new opportunities.”
