Griffin Theatre Company has announced that Mary Rachel Brown is the inaugural winner of the Suzie Miller Award.
Mary Rachel Brown’s plays Dead Cat Bounce and The Dapto Chaser have previously been seen on the SBW Stables stage with Griffin, and she has won playwriting awards including The Lysicrates Prize, the Rodney Seaborn Award, the Max Afford Award and the Griffin Award.
Her most recent works are Rosievillie (Canberra Youth Theatre), and contributing writer for Betty Blokk Buster Reimagined (Redline). When she is not writing, Mary script assesses for The Australian Writers’ Guild and teaches writing at NIDA.
“This award truly understands what a writer needs – a commission with in-built development support,” said Mary Rachel Brown. “I am thrilled to be embedded in Griffin at this point in time when writers are holding leadership roles in the company. I cannot wait to contribute to and lean on this amazing resource.”
“I am incredibly grateful to Suzie Miller for her vision and focus on mid-career writers. The beautiful contradiction here is the safety of this award will allow me to take risks. This is a great opportunity; I look forward to galloping with it.”
As the winner of the Award, Mary will receive a full commission and residency at Griffin Theatre Company, as well as mentorship from Suzie Miller. “The winner of the award, Mary Rachel Brown, is a brilliant writer and recipient,” said Suzie Miller.
“Her play Swap is both an Australian and universal story that is urgent and moving. I’m so thrilled to celebrate Brown as the inaugural winner and look forward to her works taking on the world.”
“Those shortlisted for the award proves the incredible playwright talent Australia has amongst its mid-career and established ranks,” said Miller.
For more information about the Suzie Miller Award, visit: www.griffintheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Mary Rachel Brown (sourced)