Rogue Writers was formed in 2009 as the new writing wing of theatrical collective Rogues' Gallery. Rogues' Gallery was established with the aim of nurturing and supporting emerging theatrical talent, and Rogue Writers was developed as a way of focusing on that element whilst running alongside our full-scale productions.
Over the past 21 months, the offshoot has grown beyond all our expectations. We've produced 17 shows and staged over 350 pieces of new writing, with each monthly show based around a particular theme or inspiration. The quality and range of writing being produced has been incredibly exciting for all involved. We're now entering a new phase in our company's development, and are delighted to be presenting our first full-length piece of new writing, by up-and-coming playwright Roz Wyllie.
Roz Wyllie came to the attention of Rogue Writers when her fifteen-minute piece Conflict Tourism was performed at the sell-out V's Up To The Budget night that took place in May. That event, which focused specifically on stories told by female characters, is transferring to the main house at Leicester Square Theatre in October.
However, Roz's exceptionally original voice captured our imagination, and Rogue Writers approached her to ask if she would consider developing a script for a full-length production. Paper Fortunes is the result of that collaboration, and in the same fashion as the original piece, combines darkly comic dialogue with an energetic manipulation of timing and scene. Paper Fortunes takes a glimpse inside a family at war (but on holiday), looking at what happens when the talking stops, but no-one quite knows why. Proceeding at a blinding pace in a script shot through with black humour, this is a piece that reveals some surprising and uncomfortable truths about human nature...
Roz is fast developing a reputation as a voIce To watch. Her first full-length play, Green Beans, was showcased by The Customs House in 2006 as part of their annual drama festival. Since then her work has been performed at Live Theatre, RSC, NTC, Old Red Lion, Theatre 503, Latitude Festival, Prague Fringe Festival and Northern Stage. In 2010 her short play Trust won an Ovation Theatre Award for Best New Writing.
Rogue Writers is a celebration of the art of playwriting, but also works to bring creative talent together in a productive and safe environment. With a growing list of successful alumni, and an active creative network of over 450, we're tremendously excited about the opportunity to give untapped talent a platform in London. With the staging of our first full-length original production, we're continuing to expand on the great potential that is consistently evident at our monthly nights.
PAPER FORTUNES Plays
22nd August - 3rd September 2011
Press night Thursday 24th,19:30
For more information, visit www.canalcafetheatre.com
