The winners of the 28th Alfred Fagon Award and the fourth Mustapha Matura Award and Mentoring Programme were announced in a celebratory ceremony held on Friday, 13 December 2024, at the Lyttelton, National Theatre in London.
Acclaimed playwright Inua Ellams was awarded the 28th Alfred Fagon Award for Once Upon A Time in Sokoto. Presented with the award by Olusola Oyeleye, Ellams shared the profound impact of the recognition on his journey as a writer.
“2024 has been an incredibly brutal year for me, as it has been for many artists. Several projects of mine imploded, and I considered dropping the pen entirely and looking for some other profession,” Ellams said. “This award then, is a deeply cherished and timely blessing. I’m grateful to the readers and judges for understanding the complexities I tried to narrativise, and I hope Once Upon A Time in Sokoto finally finds its audience.”
The Alfred Fagon Award, which honours the best new play of the year by a playwright of Caribbean or African descent living in the UK, is supported by the Peggy Ramsay Foundation.
Ilayda McIntosh Wins Mustapha Matura Award
The Mustapha Matura Award and Mentoring Programme, now in its fourth year, recognised Ilayda McIntosh for her play Hummingbird. Presented with her award by Ingrid Selberg, McIntosh expressed gratitude for the honour.
“To receive this award at such a pivotal stage in my career is a real honour, and so incredibly affirming,” McIntosh said. “With the guidance of a mentor, I’m excited to develop my voice further and create work that is even more ambitious, dynamic and challenging.”
Ingrid Selberg, representing the Estate of Mustapha Matura, praised Hummingbird for its “beautiful, moving and multi-layered” storytelling:
“Strands of the past and the present are woven together in an original and powerful way. The characters are complex and believable, and the writing is both lyrical and witty. Hummingbird is a very accomplished piece, showing the great talent and promise of Ilayda McIntosh as a playwright.”
The award and mentoring programme are supported by the Estate of Mustapha Matura, the Garrick Charitable Trust, The Henry and Mary Kent Trust, and individual donors.
Leanna Benjamin Receives Roland Rees Bursary
Leanna Benjamin was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Roland Rees Bursary for 2024. Presented by last year’s recipient, Paula B. Stanic, Benjamin reflected on her writing journey:
“My writing journey to date has been littered with rejection, self-doubt and extreme pressure to create work that captivates an audience. Winning this bursary has reminded me to focus on writing compelling stories inspired by my lived experiences and the opportunities will arrive organically. This blessing has sparked my confidence to share my writing.”
A Celebration of Playwriting Excellence
Chair of the Judges, Daniel Bailey, commended the resilience and creativity of this year’s playwrights:
“We’ve had a stellar year. More writers up and down the country feel empowered to write their truths in a time when people are being persuaded to write what’s popular. I’m proud of the quality of work that has been created and produced, and I’m ecstatic that the Awards play a major part in the ecology.”
About the Alfred Fagon Awards
Named in honour of the late playwright Alfred Fagon, the Awards celebrate Black British playwrights and provide critical recognition and support for emerging and established voices. The awards are made possible through the generous support of organisations and individuals.
The winners were announced in a vibrant ceremony attended by prominent figures from the theatre industry.
Patron: Baroness Floella Benjamin
Trustees: Yvonne Brewster OBE, Sheelagh Killeen, Nina Malone, Olusola Oyeleye, James St Ville KC (Chair), and Brian Walters.