Playwright Ang Collins has been selected as the first recipient of the inaugural Incubator Fellowship, established through a new partnership between Create NSW and Griffin Theatre Company to support an emerging playwright in a self-directed program of professional development.
Ang will receive $30,000 through the Fellowship and will use the funding to write a play combining comedy and crisis about climate change in Australia through a program of self-directed research and drafting, investigating theatre within the climate crisis.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the debut Fellowship with Griffin Theatre Company is a fantastic collaboration that is fostering new theatre works by young Australians.
“The Fellowship is an incredible opportunity for an emerging theatre practitioner to work alongside a reputable company who is devoted to the exploration and production of new Australian stories.
“Now more than ever, it is imperative that we continue to support our creative workers and writers as we move towards safely bringing our theatres and stages back to life,” said Minister Harwin.
“I am excited to see how this Fellowship will propel Ang’s career forward and look forward to seeing more of her work.”
Griffin Theatre Company Artistic Director Declan Greene said, “As the only theatre company in Australia devoted entirely to new Australian plays, we’re passionate about nurturing emerging writers who want to tell ambitious and urgent stories. Ang Collins is an incredible playwright and we can’t wait to watch her further develop her skills as she undertakes this next period of professional development.”
Incubator Fellowship recipient Ang Collins said, “I’m over the moon with gratitude and excitement right now. To be the recipient of the Incubator Fellowship as a young playwright is so heartening and artistically affirming—it feels like the past few years of writing, staging work, and working very hard has been leading up to this incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to write what I’m most passionate about: comedy, our rapidly changing climate, and detailed portraits of contemporary Australia.”
Ang was one of four emerging theatre practitioners in the early stages of their career who was selected for a three-month residency at Griffin, undertaking creative development of new work and professional mentorship with the company. During their residencies, the participants explored their project with input and support from Griffin to challenge and expand their practice.
The three other shortlisted applicants – Justice Jones, Frieda Lee and Claudia Osbourne – will continue to receive creative and professional support from Griffin Theatre Company and its wider industry networks.
Source: NSW Government