Noosa Arts Theatre, celebrating its 50th year, is excited to announce the winner of the 43rd National One Act Playwriting Competition, Harry Kolotas with his play ‘Look At What The Cat Dragged In’.
This year the competition attracted record entries from around Australia and New Zealand. Harry Kolotas has won the coveted Eleanor Nimmo Prize of $5000.
Every year, playwrights submit their plays to a panel of readers who decide on the top ten plays.
There are a number of criteria that the writers must follow; time limits and the ability for their play to be performed on the Noosa Arts Stage by local performers so sadly, no Aida elephants or casts of thousands but a clever story, well told, that will entertain the audience is a sure fire winner.
The ten plays are then forwarded to independent theatre professionals who choose the three finalists.
This year the three finalists are ‘Flight of Fancy’ by Robert Selzer ‘Look What the Cat Dragged In’ by Harry Kolota and ‘Will-Power’ by Roger Gimblett.
Harry’s play ‘Look What the Cat dragged In’ is a comedy drama about problems in a marriage.
Harry Kolotas was born in London to Greek Cypriot parents; he grew up in Glasgow and migrated to Sydney.
Three of his plays have been winning finalists in international one-act play competitions.
His short stories have been performed live at literary events and fringe festivals, his monologues aired on community radio stations and podcasted.
He is tantalizingly close to realizing his career goal of becoming Australia’s oldest emerging playwright.
Second place was ’Will Power’ is a comedy by Roger Gimblett and looks at opposing beliefs and how they can either destroy or be catalyst for change.
Originally from New Zealand, Roger has been living in New South Wales for 20 years where he is ac0ve as a writer, director and actor.
He has recently completed a 6 year term as Theatre Director of Sydney’s long-standing Genesian Theatre Company.
Third place getter, Robert Selzer’s romantic comedy ‘Flight of Fancy’ is set on an interstate flight, but it’s not all smooth flying with conflicts arising.
Rob won a British Theatre Challenge in 2016, and was awarded second place in last year’s National One Act Playwriting.
All performances at Noosa Arts Theatre are on hold due to COVID 19. Noosa Arts Theatre invites directors to peruse these scripts for future performances, for further details contact Noosa Arts Theatre on 07 54499343.
