The Queensland government continues its extraordinary support of local playwriting with a further commitment to the Premier’s Drama Award for 2008–2009.


Instigated by Premier Peter Beattie in 2002, the Award is part of the government’s commitment to enhancing the cultural life of Queensland. A call for entries for the 2008–2009 Award was announced in early 2007. This unique Award puts Queensland at the forefront of writing development for theatre across the country.

Queensland Theatre Company is proud to be administering the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award for the fourth time. The three finalists, who will receive dramaturgical assistance over the coming months are:

Richard Jordan for 25 Down
Katherine Lyall-Watson for Tinder
Sven Swenson for Dangerfield Park

Public readings of the three plays will take place from 31 July – 2 August 2008 at the State Library of Queensland.

This is a great opportunity to see a play in the making before the winner hits the stage in our 2009 Season. The winner of the 2008-09 Queensland Premier’s Drama Award will be announced Tuesday 5 August.

25 Down by Richard Jordan
When: Thursday 31 July
Time: 2pm & 7.30pm
Where: Auditorium 2, State Library of Queensland
Cost: $10 book through QTIX on 136 246 or online

Tinder by Katherine Lyall-Watson
When: Friday 1 August
Time: 2pm & 7.30pm
Where: Auditorium 2, State Library of Queensland
Cost: $10 book through QTIX on 136 246 or online

Dangerfield Parkby Sven Swenson
When: Saturday 2 August
Time: 2pm & 7.30pm
Where: Auditorium 2, State Library of Queensland
Cost: $10 book through QTIX on 136 246 or online

For more information on the Premier’s Drama Award contact our Artistic Development Coordinator.

Past winners of The Queensland Premier’s Drama Award are:
2002-03
Sven Swenson for Road to the She-Devil’s Salon

2004-05
Adam Grossetti for Mano Nera

2006-07
David Brown for The Estimator