Arts Access Aotearoa
A new initiative called First Draft, nurturing voices from the disabled community and fostering creative experimentation, will culminate in rehearsed readings over three days in August at the Hannah Playhouse in Wellington.
The Co-Artistic Directors of production company The Magnificent Weirdos, Sameena Zehra and Helen Vivienne Fletcher, are leading this new initiative, which works with writers to help them develop early drafts into full-length plays.
First Draft was born from a desire to create opportunities for practitioners from the d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent communities, they say. Its goal is to create an annual event that supports early-stage work without the financial burden of full-scale production.
"Writing is a solitary thing and so it’s useful to bring your work out, get feedback from the audience, from a dramaturg, and actors speaking your words back to you to see how it feels," Helen says.
Uplifting artists with lived experience
A key focus of First Draft is uplifting artists with lived experience of disability, neurodivergence, d/Deafness or mental distress. It’s available for both emerging and more experienced writers.
People from these communities often don’t get these opportunities, Sameena explains. And when they do, they often find themselves catering to the mainstream rather than having their specific needs acknowledged.
"We want to remove as many barriers as we can," Helen says.
The process begins with an open call for submissions, from which eight productions will be selected. Writers receive one-on-one time with a dramaturg, working through drafts until they feel ready to present their piece to an audience.
Tailored to each writer's preferences
Support is tailored to each writer's preferences, whether through written feedback, online meetings, or in-person discussions.
The workshop stage includes actors and directors, allowing for continuous edits, from minor tweaks to complete structural changes.
"It’s helpful to have a director involved as well," Helen says.
The Hannah Playhouse will host this year’s event from 15 to 17 August, where table readings and further adjustments will be made before the performances.
Encouraging open dialogue
Audience feedback is a vital part of the process. Each 20-minute piece will be followed by a facilitated kōrero session, encouraging open dialogue between the audience, writer, dramaturg and director.
"We ask open questions like, 'How did you feel about this character?' or 'What stood out to you?'" Sameena says.
The feedback helps writers clarify their storytelling and gauge audience reactions.
"We will ensure wheelchair access, NZSL interpreters, flexible seating options like beanbags, and audio description services," Helen says.
Accessible through multiple formats
The audience’s feedback will be made accessible through multiple formats, from verbal to written responses.
As this is the first stage of First Draft, Sameena and Helen are eager to learn from the experience so the festival can evolve, responding to feedback from participants.
First Draft is open to all theatre genres and styles, with the only requirement being a 20-minute runtime and a small cast of up to three actors.
"Play drafts must be complete at the time of submission but they don't have to be in written form if that's a barrier," Sameena explains. "For example, if you've devised a piece or your play is in NZSL, you can send us a video of the piece being acted out. We can help turn that into a written script."
Spreading the word
Beyond attending the event, there are other ways to support First Draft and The Magnificent Weirdos. "Spread the word. The more submissions we get, the better," Helen says.
Sameena adds: "We want everyone to come and see the performances in August because there will be very cool work: mainstream work created by marginalised communities. It’s like watching an artist sketch the beginnings of what may become a masterpiece.
“We love our art and we want our art to love us back. Joy in creating is something we want everyone to experience."
The Magnificent Weirdos is a member of the Arts For All Network, facilitated by Arts Access Aotearoa. Find out more about the Arts For All Network.
