From over 200 entries, three playwrights – David Burton, Jordan Shea, and Steve Rodgers – have been chosen as finalists for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2025. Chosen for their exceptional scripts, all three will now undergo creative development in 2024, with the winning work to be presented as part of Queensland Theatre’s 2025 season.
The winning playwright will not only have their play produced as part of an upcoming Queensland Theatre season, but will also receive $16,000 for play development and a $30,000 cash prize from Griffith University, the award’s sponsor. Additionally, the winner will gain mentorship from some of those in the Queensland theatrical scene.
The finalists’ works this year include:
David Burton’s The Good Dad offers a raw and honest look at modern parenting through the eyes of a young father unexpectedly left to care for his two daughters. This play aims to both entertain and horrify in ways that all parents will recognise.
Jordan Shea’s Malacañang Made Us is set against the backdrop of Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship in the Philippines. This tender dramedy traces the journey of two Filipino brothers separated in 1986, culminating in their reunion nearly 40 years later in Australia. Shea’s work is noted as being an “ambitious, eye-opening, and complex story”.
Steve Rodgers’ The Future is History is an intense narrative set over a single night, focusing on a mother’s dream for her daughter’s better future. This play delves into the growing divide between social classes, highlighting the lengths to which a parent will go for their child’s well-being.
Commenting on the announcement of the finalists, Queensland Theatre Artistic Director, Lee Lewis, shared excitement about embarking on a new journey of producing the eventual winning work, stating:
We’ve had the honour of presenting the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award for over two decades now. In collaboration with the Queensland Government and the generous support of Griffith University, this unique award continues to bring new stories to Queensland audiences and introduces new voices to our great state. There is nothing like it in the rest of the country.
It’s always a privilege to read the early drafts of plays and watch them flourish into incredible stories. Thank you again to all the playwrights who submitted their plays. Every year I am blown away by the depth of the playwrighting talent in this country.
One of many notable success stories from previous award recipients is the 2022-23 winner Ryan Enniss and his play Drizzle Boy, which premiered in Brisbane in March 2023 and will soon be touring the state as part of Queensland Theatre’s 2024 season.
While applications are now closed (obviously), you can read more about the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award HERE.
