Entries for Sixth SCrIBE Scriptwriting Competition Open on 31 March

Entries for submissions for The Imbewu Trust's 2017 SCrIBE Scriptwriting Competition open on 31 March. Now its sixth year, the SCrIBE Scriptwriting Competition is a platform for South African writers to develop their work.

The national competition, with its objective of providing the winners with the most appropriate support they need to grow their work, has evolved every year. A staged reading is held for each of the finalist's scripts, providing the chance for feedback from the industry and members of the public. An overall winner is announced at the end of the week, with the prize of having the play professionally mounted for a run at a Cape Town theatre. Another writer has the chance to win The Scribblers Dream, a prize to enable a writer to work alongside a mentor to develop his or her script and another writer has the chance to further workshop his or her play. The panel of SCrIBE judges comprises a group of seasoned theatre practitioners.

One of the 2016 winners, Nokuzola Bikwana, had her play, NO CHRISTMAS FOR US, staged at this year's Zabalaza Festival at the Baxter Theatre Centre, directed by Thami Mbongo. The Imbewu Trust also provided support for the run of the other 2016 winner, Milton Schorr's THE HEROIN DIARIES, directed by Fred Abrahamse, at the Alexander Bar's Upstairs Theatre.

Previous entrants have gone on to rework their text as a result of the open readings and some on to further professional runs. Samantha de Romijn, co-founder of the Imbewu Trust, says:

The response to the format of the competition and the staged readings has grown every year. Writers, as well as the directors, actors and audience members have commented how constructive and engaging the readings are. We are delighted that the Zabalaza team was part of the staged readings last year, and as a result, wanted the opportunity to bring the script alive on stage. It is these connections of helping to develop a writer's work in the theatre environment, that we strive to achieve.

Scripts submitted for the SCrIBE Scriptwriting Competition must not have been previously produced, nor have existing future runs plans of being produced. Other criteria are that the scripts should be in English, no longer than 40 pages or 80 minutes long, and should feature a maximum of five cast members. Entrants must be over 18 years old.

The Imbewu Trust and judges are again looking for original content of outstanding quality that explores the diverse range of South African stories. The closing date for entries is 31 July. The shortlist of entries will be announced at the end of August, with the staged readings taking place in the last week of September. Further Information and the entry form are available on www.imbewuarts.com.

The Imbewu Trust is a non-profit organisation which was established by Paul Griffiths and Samantha de Romijn to promote the development of contemporary South African theatre and arts and to help showcase it on an international stage. It seeks to create an accessible community of varied voices that can flourish through collaboration, resourcefulness and innovation. The Trust created the annual SCrIBE Scriptwriting competition, one of its flagship projects, to provide new opportunities for local writers to fully develop their work.

Zolani Mahola, Brand Ambassador for the Imbewu Trust, comments:

I was thrilled to be approached by Imbewu to stand as an ambassador for them and what really struck me was the passion and extreme care with which they approach their works. As a young South African myself, I agree with them that we have many important stories to share amongst ourselves as well as the rest of the world. Imbewu provides that platform, making room for exciting new voices to be heard across the seas. I am very excited to see the further growth and development of this initiative, perhaps you would too!

Long-term goals for the Imbewu Trust include establishing a sustainable bursary fund for tertiary education at an arts institution and publishing a collection of scripts from the SCrIBE Scriptwriting Competition.