The Beeta Universal Arts Foundation has announced the finalists of the seventh edition of the Beeta Playwright Competition.
The announcement was recently made across the foundation’s social media platforms.
The foundation, founded by the award-winning actress and producer, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, offers opportunities and innovative solutions for development in the performing arts through production, competitions, education, and outreach.
The prize for emerging playwrights, aged 18 to 40 years and worth $3000, is part of ongoing efforts to encourage new and original voices in theatre.
The ten finalists and the titles of their work are Efe Chesterfield’s ‘Banuso’, Onyidamola Margaret’s ‘It Ends Here’, Opeyemi Ridwan’s ‘Echoes’, Elias Ozikpu’s ‘The Net Between Worlds’, Leonard Ifeanyi Ugwu’s ‘The Dreamer in Sokoto’, Chioma Onyirioha’s ‘The World’s Insufficient’, Erioluwa Popoola’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, Chimdiebubu Chukwuma’s ‘The Opium War of Korije Land’, Emetekefe Akpovwovwo’s ‘Offline Truth’, and Abath Ruth’s ‘The Veil of God’.
The organisers of the prize describe the works as words on paper that will transform into stories that will echo beyond the stage.
“Ten storytellers. Ten bold narratives. One stage that will change everything. Each script carries a world. Each writer brings a vision. And now, the spotlight is theirs,” the organisers added.
In previous editions of the prize, in addition to the cash award, the winning playwright will secure a publishing contract. The winner will also undergo a capacity-building programme designed to enhance their writing and professional development.
Graham-Douglas noted that the platform has become instrumental in identifying and grooming talented playwrights, while also helping to preserve and expand Nigeria’s theatrical literature through new works.
She commended the finalists for their innovation and commitment, noting that their contributions continue to enrich the country’s storytelling tradition.
