17percent Discussion Evenings

by Laura 3 March 2010

Other Information: 17percent, a new networking organisation for female playwrights, will hold two discussion and showcase
events in London on the 11th and 12th March 2010.

A conference at the National Theatre revealed that only 17% of playwrights in the UK are female1, although women make up approximately 80% of the students on playwriting courses. Why don’t they make the transition from student to practising writer? Is there an industry bias – and why does it matter if there is? 17percent is a new networking organisation to address these and other issues. It will provide women with opportunities to develop as writers.

The two events will consist of panel discussions asking ‘Why?’ and ‘What next?’, followed by ‘speed networking’ where attendees will have 15 minutes to make new creative connections. The final part of each evening will be a script in hand reading of five new plays chosen from the 45 exciting scripts submitted.
Speakers confirmed thus far are: Playwright Emma Adams; Playwright and educator Sarah Davies; Educator, director and writer Olusola Oyeleye; Course Director, City University Creative Writing (Plays and Screenplays) Barbara Norden; Artistic Director, Sphinx Theatre Company, Sue Parrish, and Director Lucy Pitman-Wallace. More speakers are to be announced.
11th and 12th March 6.30pm-9.30pm, entry is free.