New Views is the National Theatre's annual playwriting competition for ages 14-19. Over the course of each year, the theatre provides support for teachers to set up in-school writing groups, including an online handbook, a professional development weekend, and visits to both live and screened workshops, as well as two in-school workshops with professional playwrights.
The plays written by young people are judged by a panel of five experts, and this year's winner was chosen from an original crop of more than 400 plays written in 99 schools.
The winning play, Barrier(s), by Eloise Pennycott of Southend High School for Girls was given two professionally staged performances at the Dorfman Theatre in July. It's a twohander: two women meet and fall in love, one is deaf, the other hearing. In the opening scene of the play there is some beautiful observational comedy which also plays on the cringe-factor of a well-meaning hearing person trying to communicate with someone who doesn't speak their language.
Register now to continue reading
Register to the Drama & Theatre website today and gain access to all the latest news and developments from the world of drama education.
By registering you will receive:
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion on our website
Already have an account? Sign in here