This year’s entries were assessed, anonymously, over three reading rounds by a team of 28 readers (68% female-identifying, 21% people of colour) who then voted in an equal and secret ballot, with this year’s winner being jointly selected by Papatango and the Bush Theatre.
OLD BRIDGE By Igor Memic
At Bush Theatre, dates TBC
“One day all you care about is music, fashion, and boys. The next day there’s no food. Piece by piece your world starts to change so you change with it.”
Mostar, 1988. A boy from out of town dives from the famous Old Bridge. A local girl watches, her heart falling with him.
Mostar, 1992. In a town of growing divisions, Muslim Mina and Catholic Mili have never doubted that their future lies together – but nor can they imagine the dangers that future will bring.
This beautiful, heart-wrenching play by British-Bosnian writer Igor Memic conjures up a lost world of innocence and hope. Inspired by true stories, it powerfully exposes the impact of a war that Europe forgot and the bravery, love and sacrifice of those who lived through it.
“When the phone call came, I was in disbelief. I never thought a play like this could make the shortlist, let alone win. Writing Old Bridge has been one of the most painful and important experiences of my life. This was my excavation. My attempt at healing old wounds. I never realised how much it said about our world today until that world stopped spinning.” Igor Memic
