In Spring 2020, seventeen writers joined Phase 1 of the 2020-2022 Professional Writers Programme. Over five weeks, they met with director and dramaturg Ng Choon Ping, developing a new idea for a full length play.

A 'pitch' idea for these plays were filmed durning lockdown and streamed in our digital short play festival New Stories.

Four writers and their plays were then chosen to continue on for further development in Phase 2. Now in Phase 2, the writers received a seed commission to develop and write a full-length play.

Additional support will includes: one-to-one dramaturgy meetings, development workshops with actors and directors and public readings.

All of the writers from Phase 1 and Phase 2 will attend a series of masterclasses with top industry professionals over the course of the programme.

The writers from Phase 2 have a public sharing of their plays at Soho Theatre in May.

A Tidal Home by Marie Yan

The City sits on a peninsula. One day the tide starts following strange patterns and water invites itself further and further into the streets. Canals overflow. The sewage system collapses. Everywhere, pipes exploding. Against the backdrop of this inexplicable catastrophe, lovers panic, a businessman rubs his hands with glee, the mayor descends into authoritarianism, young people doubt their future and up above in heaven, dead philosophers pity the living. All face a dilemma: should you leave and give up on your home, or stay and fight for it?

zaazaa by Nemo Martin

talk, I listen, talk… listen In endless round. Taro is facing oblivion. They cannot do it alone. Inspired by the poetry of Paiute poet Richard Stewart, two friends confront run-down murder motels, shot-gun racists, internment camps and burial grounds as they meet, survive, tell stories, joke and mourn a peace the'll never know.

Before You Go by Lao Lee

Most people only come out once right? Not for Kit, whose mother has early onset dementia. Caught between wanting acceptance, saving her engagement and searching for her estranged brother, Kit uncovers uneasy truths. Before You Go explores queer identity, repression, and trauma.

Miss Philippines by Rogelio Braga

Miss Philippines is a story of two sassy transgender women, of gowns, glitter, beauty queens, and a fabulous gay beauty pageant in the middle of a bloody war on drugs in Duterte Philippines.