Sectarianism play named winner of James Tait Black prize for drama

A play that explores the extremes of sectarianism has scooped the James Tait Black Prize for Drama, one of the UK’S most distinguished literary awards.

David Ireland’s tragicomedy Cyprus Avenue, which is set in Northern Ireland, is the fifth play to win the £10,000 prize – part of the UK’S oldest book awards.

The news was announced at an award ceremony in Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre yesterday.

The accolade celebrates innovation in playwriting and is awarded annually by the University of Edinburgh in association with Playcomedy wrights’ Studio, Scotland, and the Traverse Theatre.

Cyprus Avenue centres on Eric Miller, a Belfast Loyalist who is convinced his new born grandchild is Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.

At one point he puts glasses on the baby and draws a beard on her face with marker pen. The play reveals Eric agonising over his own sense of identity and masculinity.

The winning play was premiered at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin before its run at the Royal Court in April and May 2016. It was directed by the Royal Court’s Artistic Director, Vicky Featherstone.

David Ireland’s drama topped a shortlist that included two other plays – Oil by Ella Hickson and Scenes from 68* Years by Hannah Khalil.

Chair of the judging panel, Greg Walker, Regius Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, said: “This year’s shortlist was incredibly strong – each playwright dealt with difficult issues masterfully. Cyprus Avenue is a shocking and darkly humorous play that shakes audiences to their core. It reflects exactly what this award aims to celebrate – bold, inventive playwriting – and I am thrilled it won this year’s prize.”

Fiona Sturgeon Shea, creative director at Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland, said: “The shortlist reveals playwrights from across the globe being inspired by a huge range of issues and topics.”