Yesterday, July 23, 2024, Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre (PARC) held a special ceremony at the Eastern Front Theatre Rotunda in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, to present the inaugural Jenny Munday Atlantic Canadian Play Award. This award honours Jenny Munday, PARC’s inaugural Artistic Director who dedicated 20 years of service to the organization, celebrating her legacy while providing vital support and recognition to playwrights from Atlantic Canada.
Wharf by Ryan Griffith (New Brunswick) was selected as the 2024 winning play. Griffith’s award-winning play explores the mystery surrounding a missing fisherman in a tight-knit island community. The play delves into the ripple effects of violence and the complexities of human relationships. The jury, composed of award-winning artists Don Hannah, Lara Lewis & Natasha MacLellan, praised the work’s “beautiful construction” and its exploration of a single event’s impact on multiple characters over time.
Deepwater by Dan Bray (Nova Scotia) and Dayboil by Sharon King-Campbell (Newfoundland and Labrador) were named first and second runners-up, respectively for their outstanding dramatic merit.
2024 Award winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize and a PARC membership (Wharf by Ryan Griffith), and both runner-ups a $500 cash price each (Deepwater by Dan Bray & Dayboil by Sharon King-Campbell).
Additional shortlisted plays included: The Weatherman by Brynn Cutcliffe (Prince Edward Island) and White or Red by Sara Tilley (Newfoundland and Labrador).
During this ceremony, it was also announced that Santiago Guzmán will continue at the helm of PARC now as Artistic Director of the organization after a very successful interim year.
PARC extends its deepest gratitude to the PARC Legacy Committee and its generous donors for making this award possible. Special thanks are also offered to Eastern Front Theatre and Alderney Landing for hosting the inaugural ceremony.
This award marks a significant moment for playwrights in Atlantic Canada. PARC is proud to celebrate the talent and dedication of these writers and looks forward to their continued success.
Watch the Jenny Munday Atlantic Canadian Play Award Ceremony HERE.
Learn more about the shortlisted finalists HERE.