The site was launched in New York at the New Dramatists Studio, America’s premier playwright development centre, as part of the Australian Government’s Australia Week program.
It features more than 1,500 Australian playscripts, representing the work of some 500 playwrights. Alongside such familiar names as David Williamson, Joanna Murray-Smith, Andrew Bovell, Stephen Sewell and Jack Hibberd are many rising stars including Tom Holloway, Ben Ellis, Ross Mueller and Melissa Cantwell.
Funded by the Australia Council for the Arts, the new site is an initiative of the Australian Script Centre in collaboration with three key promoters of Australian performance writing; Currency Press, Playlab and Playwriting Australia.
“Australia has a vibrant performance writing culture but all too many real gems fade into obscurity once the initial production run is over”, said ASC Director, Gail Cork. “We want to change that by making it easy and enjoyable for producers, artistic directors and drama educators around the world to find the perfect script for their next
production.”
“The australianplays.org website will help bring more Australian scripts to the international stage. It’s a great model for how artists can creatively use new technology to promote their work and generate additional income,” said Australia Council chief executive officer Kathy Keele.
For further details, please contact Gail Cork, Director, Australian Script Centre on (03) 6223 4675 or 0412 106 774
Australianplays.org is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.