Hampstead Theatre has announced the eight writers selected for the latest edition of INSPIRE, the venue’s flagship programme supporting emerging playwrights.
Joining the initiative this autumn are Shona Bukola Babayemi, Anjeli Chapman, Fergus Church, Hannah Doran, Kerry Fitzgerald, Logan Jones, Rianna Simons and Corey Weekes.
Now in its eighth year, INSPIRE provides writers with the opportunity to develop a new play with dramaturgical support and mentorship from award-winning playwright Simon Stephens alongside Hampstead Theatre’s artistic associates.
Participants will also take part in a series of masterclasses with leading playwrights before presenting their work in a sharing at Hampstead Theatre’s Downstairs studio.
Simon Stephens, playwright and Director of INSPIRE at Hampstead Theatre, said: “It means a great deal to be back working with the INSPIRE programme. It is a rare beacon of hope and faith in the imagination of a whole new generation of playwrights. It’s an honour to be working with them.”
Alice Hamilton, Hampstead Theatre’s Head of Artistic Development and Associate Director, added: “Hampstead has always believed that investing in writers means investing in the future of theatre. Eight cohorts in and INSPIRE continues to be a vital part of that commitment. We’re so excited to welcome this group of writers, all with very different voices, and most crucially give them the time and support to develop their plays.”
Since launching in 2017, INSPIRE has become a key part of Hampstead Theatre’s commitment to developing new writing and supporting playwrights at the start of their careers. Alumni have gone on to have work produced at Hampstead and theatres across the UK.
Recent success stories include Alex Rugman, whose play The Urmetazoan is currently playing Hampstead Downstairs until 24 October. Over the past year, works by fellow INSPIRE alumni David Pearson and Nancy Farino have also premiered at the theatre with Firewing and Fatherland respectively.
The INSPIRE programme is delivered without public funding and is supported by the Andor Charitable Trust, Zmira & Rodney Hornstein, The Klein Family Foundation and Anatol Orient.
More information can be found here.
