Introducing our year five Write to Play writers!
For the first time since Write to Play launched, year 5 will specifically focus on nurturing D/deaf and disabled writers within the BAME community. Graeae will be working alongside Bush Theatre, Soho Theatre, Ovalhouse, Talawa and Tamasha.
Get to know our writers as we ask them a few questions about the year ahead and what their most looking forward to.
Charlotte Maxwell
How did it feel getting the news about becoming a year 5 writer?
It was one of the best pieces of news I’ve had in a long time, I couldn’t quite believe it and I’m still slightly stunned now. I’m feeling a mix of shocked, blessed and grateful.
What are you looking forward to most about the year ahead?
Definitely looking forward to being able to dedicate more time to my writing and being given some support to take it to the next level. Getting to work with a London theatre company is also super exciting.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
I have a couple actually (which is very unlike me): cut my monthly expenditure in half, write every day – no matter what it is – and take up life drawing again.
Leanna Benjamin
How did it feel getting the news about becoming a year 5 writer?
Hearing the amazing news that I had been chosen to be part of Write to Play year 5 was the highlight of my year. I felt validated as a writer and extremely happy that I will have the opportunity to improve my writing. For me, the last 18 months has been about setting challenges for myself, living outside my comfort zone and refusing to allow my physical limitations to dictate my future aspirations. I was incredibly emotional and I don’t think I have stopped smiling since.
What are you looking forward to most about the year ahead?
I am looking forward to getting to know and work with a talented group of writers. Working with a mentor who I hope will stretch me as a writer and help me to create three pieces of work that I will be proud of, is also something I am looking forward to.
After being fortunate enough to be in the audience at year 4’s recent showcase, I am really excited to be part of the journey that gets us writers to the point where we witness our words come to life through talented actors in our end of year showcase. Hopefully we will also inspire the next group of writers who will be anxiously waiting to embark on this remarkable writing programme.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
My New Year’s resolutions for 2018 are to eat less chocolate, be more organised and to continue to make the pursuit of my dreams a priority.
Kathryn Golding
How did it feel getting the news about becoming a year 5 writer?
Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll all agree that it’s rare to find me lost for words. Yet finding out that I’d been selected for the Write To Play programme that was exactly what happened!
What are you looking forward to most about the year ahead?
Going into a panel interview could have been daunting but each person was warm, welcoming and generous. I felt at ease instantly which was awesome as the year ahead is going to be filled with so many exciting challenges. There’s so much I couldn’t even begin to say that might be the highlight, but knowing that I’ll be working with such amazing, supportive theatres is an incredible feeling.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
2017 has been a Big Meanie to everyone so, although I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions (it’s setting yourself up for failure), next year I’ll be looking to put in mini milestones and forming better writing habits. Mostly though I’ll just be aiming to call myself a writer. I can’t wait to get started.
Shahid Iqbal Khan
How did it feel getting the news about becoming a year 5 writer?
It felt great! Let’s face it, the world of a writer is usually full of rejection letters so it’s always nice when you get a more positive outcome. I’m also excited slash nervous because it’s my first time being on a writing development programme. So I’m really looking forward to the year ahead.
What are you looking forward to most about the year ahead?
Learning is an essentially important part of being a writer, no matter if you’re emerging or established. Hence I am very curious about the masterclasses. I’ve always felt I should come down to London to attend a writing class and well now this is my chance. And, of course, working on a play with the help of my mentor will in itself be a learning curve.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
No I don’t believe in new year’s resolutions. You’re just setting yourself up for disappointment. It is much better to have ongoing goals and to consistently work on them throughout the year.
Lettie Precious
How did it feel getting the news about becoming a year 5 writer?
When I received the news I was ecstatic, I cried. It meant a great deal to be recognised and to be gifted with such an opportunity. I was especially pleased to have the chance to work with a group of people who recognise my disability and because of this I will work to the best of my ability.
What are you looking forward to most about the year ahead?
I am looking forward to learning about the mechanics behind creating a great story and working with the industry professionals. I imagine it to be an opportunity to ask questions, to fail, to succeed and most importantly to learn the skills that will help me further my career as a writer. I’m looking forward to the growth I know will come and what the future holds thereafter.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
My New Year’s resolution is to not to have resolutions, but take each day as it comes and bask in every blessing that comes my way through a disciplined work ethic.
