Windrush compensation funds prize for playwrights

A theatre producer has used compensation awarded in her late father's Windrush case to launch a national prize dedicated to British Caribbean playwrights.

It is believed to be the first initiative of its kind in 30 years, and offers a £10,000 award, publication and a professional theatre production.

Actor and former criminal barrister Shereener Browne set up the prize to discover and nurture British Caribbean playwrights and address their underrepresentation on UK stages.

She said: "It was borne out of a great injustice suffered by my late father and others from the Caribbean, so I honour his memory by creating a prize to elevate our stories, create opportunities and effect lasting change."

Browne's father, Myron Brown, lived and worked in Britain for decades and was effectively made stateless by the government when he was refused documentation required to prove his status as a British citizen.

Although he was successful in his claim from the Windrush Compensation Scheme, the settlement was awarded after his death.

Browne said the Windrush Prize "was deeply personal" to her.

She added: "Black History Month is about recognising the people, stories and experiences that have shaped Black Britain and the Windrush Prize is about ensuring those stories continue to be told by a new generation."

The Windrush Prize for British Caribbean Playwrights is open to UK-based British Caribbean writers over 18 years of age.

Submissions must be unpublished, full-length plays and both represented and unrepresented writers are eligible to apply.

The prize includes mentorship, development opportunities, public readings, and production support alongside the main award.

Entrants can apply between 2 October and 2 December.

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