Drama shortlist unveiled

Three plays have been shortlisted for the 2014 James Tait Black Prize for Drama.

The chosen nominations were selected from more than 180 entries worldwide.

Provocative productions

The chosen entries deal with drone warfare, immigration and cannibalism

The shortlisted dramas are from playwrights based in the UK and US. They are:

• Grounded by George Brant, produced by The Gate Theatre, London
• Cannibals by Rory Mullarkey, produced by the Royal Exchange, Manchester
• Some Other Mother by AJ Taudevin, produced in association with The Tron Theatre in Glasgow and the Scottish Refugee Council; supported by Stellar Quines and On Fife

Award ceremony

There will be an award ceremony to announce the winner at the Traverse Theatre at 6pm on 11 August, which is open to the public.

The event will be hosted by Joyce McMillan, one of the UK’s most esteemed arts writers and theatre critics.

Extracts from the three shortlisted plays will be read by a company of actors - produced by the National Theatre of Scotland.

Partnership

The £10,000 drama prize was launched in 2012 by the University of Edinburgh in partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland and in association with the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.

It is a very exciting shortlist of plays, all of which have had a major impact on audiences. I very much look forward to the challenge of selecting a winner.

Student involvement

The drama prize is judged by postgraduate students and academics from the University.

Judges award the prize to the best new play in English, Scots or Gaelic, which they consider demonstrates an original theatrical voice and makes a significant contribution to the art form.

Last year the prize was awarded to Tim Price for his acclaimed play The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning.

This shortlist represents some of the finest work in what has been a remarkable year for theatre. The James Tait Black Awards are renowned for showcasing the very best new writing and we are delighted to celebrate the work of playwrights for a second year.