March 29, 2014

ADAM NZ PLAY AWARDS 2014 

The dilemmas of modern reproduction examined in award-winning play. 

IVF isn’t foolproof and IUDs aren’t failsafe. iPhones come with ovulation apps and being married doesn’t mean you have to breed. Seed follows four women as they try to get pregnant, stay pregnant or become un-pregnant.

PLAYMARKET is pleased to announce the ADAM NZ PLAY AWARD winner for 2014:

Elisabeth Easther for her play SEED. 

The Adam NZ Play Award recognises and celebrates the best in new writing for the theatre,  and the judges described Seed as highly entertaining, funny and sophisticated.

Director of Playmarket Murray Lynch announced the win at Circa Theatre on 29 March 2014 alongside four other special award winners. Elisabeth also received the award for Best Play by a Woman Playwright. A rehearsed reading of Seed followed the announcement. 

Elisabeth is an Auckland based writer, journalist and broadcaster. She is a graduate of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and became a household name in the 90s for her memorable turn as Shortland Street’s psychotic nurse, Carla. Elisabeth’s plays include Raw, Salt, and Famous Flora (based on the life of Flora McKenzie, renowned Auckland madam, socialite, and raconteur). Elisabeth is a staff writer at The NZ Herald, is a regular contributor on Radio NZ National and is also a voice over artist, notably for Whittakers Chocolate and Sky TV. Seed will have its world premiere season at Auckland’s Basement Theatre, June 17 – 28, 2014.

Acclaimed actor and director Nancy Brunning was named as Co-Runner Up for her first play Hikoi, a moving and powerful play about a Maori family facing radical change in the 70s and 80s. Hikoi also won the award for Best Play by a Maori Writer, and will have its world premiere season at Circa Theatre, Wellington 28 June – 12 July 2014.

Pip Hall was also named as Co-Runner Up for her play Mule, an intriguing script about a conman seducing a vulnerable NZ woman into being a drug mule via the net. Pip is the current president of the New Zealand Writers Guild and has worked in theatre, film and television for almost 20 years as a playwright, writer, storyliner, story/script editor, developer, creative producer and actor.

Two awards of Highly Commended were given to Mei Lin Te Puea Hansen for her play The Mooncake and the Kumara and Sam Brooks for his play Riding in Cars with (Mostly Straight) Boys. 

The Adam NZ Play Award, now in its seventh year, is the only one of its kind for new writing. Playmarket’s only entrance requirements are that the playwright be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and that the play has not had a professional production. The freedom to submit plays of any length, style or cast size and without the burden of considering a play’s affordability or a theatre’s demands has inspired some outstanding work.

The award is generously funded by the Adam Foundation. Playmarket is also very grateful for the support of Circa Theatre, and our major funders: ASB Community Trust and Creative New Zealand.

ADAM AWARD WINNER 2014:  Elisabeth Easther for Seed

Runners-up: Pip Hall for Mule and Nancy Brunning for Hikoi

Best Play by a Woman Playwright: Elisabeth Easther for Seed

Best Play by a Maori Playwright: Nancy Brunning for Hikoi

Highly Commended: Mei-Lin Hansen for The Mooncake and the Kumara and Sam Brooks for Riding in Cars With (Mostly Straight) Boys