The State Theatre Company has named emerging talents Zachary Sheridan and Laneikka Denne as winners of the 2019 Flinders University Young Playwrights’ Award.

Mr Sheridan won the senior category award for his script The Dead, while Ms Denne won the junior award for her script Dead Skin. A high commendation was awarded to Dora Abraham for her play Race of Giants, while merit awards were given to Jamila Main (How to Eat Rabbit) and Nick Duddy (We Three, The Sea).

The Young Playwrights’ Award has been running for 19 years with support from Flinders University, to encourage and support new local writing talent.

State Theatre Company Education Manager Fiona Lukac says the winning entries demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the playwriting process.

“We loved the simplicity of Zach’s characters and his storytelling as he navigated the topic of death, while Laneikka beautifully explored the fragile relationship of a young lesbian couple. Both stories were completely engaging and of exceptional quality,” Ms Lukac says.

The 2019 winners join an impressive list such as Fleur Kilpatrick (playwright behind State Theatre Company’s 2018 show Terrestrial which premiered at Flinders University last year) and Sophia Simmons, who will present her play Limit in October under the State Umbrella initiative.

Both winners will receive a cash prize, a subscription to State Theatre Company’s 2020 season and professional script development from established artists.

Awards presentation

Both awards will be presented together with a reading of the senior category winning play on Monday 22 July, at 5.45pm, the Dunstan Playhouse, at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Everyone is invited to attend this free event (no RSVP is required).