Theatr Iolo and Hyderabad Children's Theatre Festival launch international playwriting competition for children and young people

Following the success of last year’s inaugural competition, Theatr Iolo have announced they will be running their Young Playwrights’ Competition for a second year this autumn. In collaboration with Hyderabad Children's Theatre Festival, the children and young people’s theatre company will be making this year’s competition extra special by seeking entries from both Wales and India. 

Both companies are seeking young people between the ages of 7 and 16 to write an original, imaginative and relevant 10-minute play for an audience of the same age. Theatr Iolo's Artistic Director, Lee Lyford and co-founder of the Hyderabad Children's Theatre Festival, Vaishali Bisht, along with a specially selected panel, will judge the competition and choose four winning plays. There will be two winners from Wales, one in the English language and one in the Welsh language, and two winners from India. 

“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Hyderabad Children's Theatre Festival to make this year’s competition international. It’s brilliant opportunity for children and young people from Wales and India to write about whatever is of interest to them, and we hope to receive plays that share and celebrate many voices. The only limit is the young people’s imagination!” Lee Lyford, Theatr Iolo Artistic Director 

“I’m thrilled that we are able to work with Theatr Iolo to bring their successful Young Playwrights’ Competition to children and young people in India. I’m really looking forward to reading the entries and discovering more about the interests and ideas of children from both India and Wales.” Vaishali Bisht, Hyderabad Children's Theatre Festival Co-Founder

To support children, parents and teachers, Theatr Iolo have published a series of resources on their website to help those who are interested in writing for the stage, including top tips videos with some of Wales best playwrights. 

The winning writers will have their script turned into an audio play and be given the chance to spend time alongside a director and team of actors who will bring their idea to life. 

Submissions should be emailed to hello@theatriolo.com by Friday 10 December 2021. 

This project has been made possible thanks to a Connections Through Culture: India-Wales grant received from The British Council.