Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF) led by the award winning actress and producer Bikiya Graham-Douglas created the Beeta Playwright Competition (BPC) to discover new voices in the literary genre of drama in Nigeria. This competition is open to indigenous playwrights between the ages of 18-40. “Our stories define who we are and we must document them.”
Paul Ugbede’s play “Our Son the Minister” emerged winner of the first edition of the competition, going on to be published and produced at the prestigious Terra Kulture Arena and in preparation for a five University tour across the Country.
The esteemed panel of judges for the second edition consists of seasoned and respected creative professionals to include:
Award winning Playwright and Professor of the Arts – Ahmed Yerima, Culture/Film Journalist and Arts Administrator – Shaibu Husseini
Veteran Actress and Producer – Ego Boyo,
Theatre Producer and Writer – Ayo Jaiyesimi,
Director and Actor – Kenneth Uphopho
Publisher Book Seller – Ibiso Graham-Douglas.
“Union Bank is pleased to partner with Beeta Universal Arts Foundation for the second year to deliver this worthy competition. As a Bank that has been around for 100 years, we recognize how invaluable the Arts is to preserving and showcasing our culture and history, which is why we remain committed to developing the talent in the creative industry” – Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, Head Corporate Communication and Marketing, Union Bank.
The competition is also supported by WAPIC Insurance Plc, Terra Kulture, Olajide & Oyewole LLP, British Council, Guardian Nigeria and YNaija.com.
The deadline for all entries is 31 August 2018, which would be followed by the announcement of the top ten finalists who would participate in a writers workshop with a winner announced thereafter at the grand finale.
The winner stands to win a prizes worth one million naira in prizes, a publishing deal with PaperWorth Books Limited and will have their play produced by BUAF at the Terra Kulture Arena.
Beeta Universal Arts Foundation is Nigeria’s foremost organization focused on development of the arts, through storytelling, education and advocacy.
BUAF has created platforms for hundreds of young artisans in developing their craft through production, education and competitions and has also produced twenty five plays.