Belfast-born playwright Georgina Duncan's 'Sapling', a haunting and unflinching portrayal of trauma and its devastating consequences, has been crowned winner of this year's Women's Prize for Playwriting. The poignant play, which explores the life of 16-year-old Gerry Flynn, a teenager struggling to cope with his brother Conor's murder by another child during the Troubles-era in Belfast.
At the heart of 'Sapling' lies a story that delves into the darker corners of adolescence and the lingering effects of trauma on individuals and communities. Duncan's writing masterfully weaves together the complexities of Gerry's world, where his home life is in disarray and his family's painful past continues to haunt him.
When tragedy strikes again, forcing Gerry to confront the consequences of his brother's murder, he must navigate a web of complex emotions and relationships that threaten to upend his already fragile existence. The arrival of charismatic stranger Ryan serves as a catalyst for this journey, raising questions about whether Ryan can provide solace or exacerbate the issues that have long plagued Gerry.
Duncan's play is not only a powerful exploration of trauma but also a moving and darkly humorous portrayal of what happens when deep-rooted pain is left untended. The judges praised 'Sapling' for its unflinching and fearless writing, which has earned it the coveted Women's Prize for Playwriting award.
The prize, now in its seventh year, has seen an impressive surge in entries this time around, with 1,275 plays submitted from across the UK. This year's winners not only received £20,000 but also the opportunity for Ellie Keel Productions, Paines Plough, and Sheffield Theatres to co-produce their work.
Additionally, Kristin Scott Thomas has been announced as the first recipient of the new Leading Light award, which aims to recognize a leading female figure in the arts industry who has made an outstanding contribution to culture.
At the heart of 'Sapling' lies a story that delves into the darker corners of adolescence and the lingering effects of trauma on individuals and communities. Duncan's writing masterfully weaves together the complexities of Gerry's world, where his home life is in disarray and his family's painful past continues to haunt him.
When tragedy strikes again, forcing Gerry to confront the consequences of his brother's murder, he must navigate a web of complex emotions and relationships that threaten to upend his already fragile existence. The arrival of charismatic stranger Ryan serves as a catalyst for this journey, raising questions about whether Ryan can provide solace or exacerbate the issues that have long plagued Gerry.
Duncan's play is not only a powerful exploration of trauma but also a moving and darkly humorous portrayal of what happens when deep-rooted pain is left untended. The judges praised 'Sapling' for its unflinching and fearless writing, which has earned it the coveted Women's Prize for Playwriting award.
The prize, now in its seventh year, has seen an impressive surge in entries this time around, with 1,275 plays submitted from across the UK. This year's winners not only received £20,000 but also the opportunity for Ellie Keel Productions, Paines Plough, and Sheffield Theatres to co-produce their work.
Additionally, Kristin Scott Thomas has been announced as the first recipient of the new Leading Light award, which aims to recognize a leading female figure in the arts industry who has made an outstanding contribution to culture.
I think what's really remarkable about Georgina Duncan's 'Sapling' is how she skillfully excavates the complex emotional topography of her protagonist Gerry Flynn, expertly navigating the treacherous terrain of adolescent trauma and its lasting impact on individuals and communities 
. The play's unflinching portrayal of a painful past that refuses to be silenced is both haunting and cathartic, offering a searing indictment of the ways in which trauma can both define and destroy lives 
.
! Georgina Duncan's writing is so raw and honest, it's like she's holding up a mirror to our own traumas and struggles. The way she explores the complexities of adolescence and trauma is just masterful, you feel like you're right there with Gerry Flynn, navigating his dark world 
. I think the judges did an amazing job recognizing this play for its fearless writing and impact 
. It's not always easy to tackle these kinds of stories, but 'Sapling' proves that it can be done with beauty and power 
. Can't wait to see how Ellie Keel Productions, Paines Plough, and Sheffield Theatres bring this powerful play to life on stage! 
just read that Georgina Duncan's 'Sapling' won the Women's Prize for Playwriting and I'm totally blown away! The way she tackles trauma and its aftermath is so raw and honest, it feels like a punch in the gut but also somehow cathartic? 
. Anyways, congrats to Georgina and all the winners! 
!
. The fact that it's darkly funny too is just icing on the cake 
... maybe one day we'll see a film adaptation or somethin! 
. On a more positive note though, congrats to Georgina Duncan for winning that Women's Prize for Playwriting! Her play 'Sapling' sounds super powerful and thought-provoking 
. It's great to see more plays being made about sensitive topics like trauma and its effects on young people 
It's like the judges saw the raw emotion and pain in Georgina Duncan's words and just knew they had to give her the recognition she deserves. I mean, can you imagine writing a play about trauma and the consequences of violence at such a young age? It takes an actual superhero to do that justice, and I have so much respect for Duncan and her work 
That's what the arts industry needs more of: collaboration and support for emerging writers and artists 
. but i'm curious, what do you guys think about the leading light award? feels like we're gonna be seeing more of these talented women on our screens soon 
. I mean, I love how she explores the complexities of Gerry's world and the lingering effects of trauma, but at times it feels like we're stuck in this dark cycle that's hard to escape 
. And what with Ryan coming into the picture, it's like... are we really setting Gerry up for more heartache or is he finally finding some solace? 
Either way, I'm excited to see how Ellie Keel Productions, Paines Plough, and Sheffield Theatres co-produce this play – fingers crossed they can bring out the right balance of emotions without making it too much for the audience 
. Kristin Scott Thomas is awesome, btw 
. I mean, there's nothing wrong with Duncan's writing being powerful and unflinching, but sometimes less-is-more, you know? 
I'm also a bit curious to see how 'Sapling' will be produced - £20k is a decent chunk of change 
, and I hope that it'll get the attention it deserves on stage.
1,275 plays submitted is insane! it's amazing to see how much interest there is in playwriting right now and i think that's because of writers like Duncan who are pushing boundaries and telling stories that need to be told
. The way she writes about Gerry's world is so immersive, you can't help but feel his weighty emotions crushing him 
. And that twist with Ryan? Mind-blown 
trauma and adolescence is a combo thats hard enough but add in the complexities of family and relationships and u got yerself a masterpiece