Jess Sayer has won the prestigious Bruce Mason Award, recognising her outstanding work as an emerging New Zealand Playwright. Joined by her supportive partner, family and friends, Sayer was presented with the award at the Playmarket Accolades held in Wellington on Sunday afternoon. The $10,000 cash prize recognises early success in the career of the winning playwright and is designed to encourage their continued exploration of the theatre medium. Sayer says: “It is honestly such an honour. It still doesn't feel real. And it’s so humbling to have my name next to all of those incredible playwrights that have inspired me to keep writing.” An acclaimed actor and playwright, Sayer co-founded Junket Theatre Company in 2012 and has since staged four of her own works: Elevator, Wings, Crunchy Silk and Fix at The Basement Theatre in Auckland. She is also the co-writer of new web series Auckward Love and plays a lesbian character in the series. “I’m just so grateful to everyone who has supported me - every actor who has said yes, everyone who has offered me criticism, everyone who has come to one of my shows, it’s all of those people that have made this award possible.” says Sayer. Not one to slow down, Sayer says her plans for the future are pretty straight forward: “I’ll just keep writing!” “I’m currently working on a new TV show ‘Dirty Laundry’ with Filthy Productions which is a lot of fun! And I also have some plays on the go - I think next year will be quite a busy one.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 19th November 2015 - 10:25am