A writers’ group for new voices.
We are excited to announce Forge Playwrights; a new project that will nurture writers from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds in our region.
The group will be led by Aisha Khan, with co-mentoring from John Rwothomack and Frey Kwa Hawking.
Aisha Khan is a playwright, director and dramaturg. Aisha's adaptation of A Christmas Carol, commissioned and produced by Sheffield Theatres, ran in the Crucible in 2025-26. She was previously Co-Artistic Director of Freedom Studios from 2015 to 2022 and directing credits at the company include Spirits by Gemma Bedeau, Lump by Kieran Launder and When We Were Brothers by Ben Tagoe, and she was producer and dramaturge on the 5* production of Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile adapted by Lisa Holdsworth from the novel by Adelle Stripe. Writing credits include No Man's Land (Theatre An Der Parkau, Berlin/Leeds Playhouse); The Market (Leeds Playhouse).
John Rwothomack is a Ugandan-born, London-trained actor, director, writer, and recipient of the Peggy Ramsay Award whose work includes commissions from Sheffield Theatres and English Touring Theatre. In 2021, John founded Roots Mbili Theatre, where he is artistic director.
Frey Kwa Hawking is a transsexual critic, dramaturg, and arts worker. He is Associate Dramaturg at the Bush Theatre, a Dramaturgs' Network board member, was Co-Mentor for Sheffield Theatres' New Dramaturgs and Theatremakers Groups, and works with a number of theatres, companies and competitions.
The writers will meet monthly at Sheffield Theatres from September 2026 - April 2027 for workshops and writing sessions, followed by a period of writing and one-to-one support that will lead to an opportunity to have their work shared as part of the Open Works Festival in Autumn 2027.
This ambitious year of activity will support six emerging Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers to develop new skills, ideas, and relationships as they write a full-length play.
Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director at Sheffield Theatres, said:
Forge Playwrights is an investment in the future stories of South Yorkshire. At Sheffield Theatres, we believe great theatre often begins with great writers. Some of the most exciting stories are still waiting to be told, and we know that extraordinary talents existright across our regions' communities. Forge Playwrights is about finding that talent, nurturing it, and giving the support and confidence to flourish.
This is more than a development programme; it’s a commitment to ensuring that the stages of Sheffield reflect the richness, complexity and creativity of the people who call South Yorkshire home. We hope this marks the beginning of a new generation of playwrights whose work will challenge, inspire and connect audiences, resonating far beyond our city and reaching people across the UK and around the world.”
Forge Playwrights is kindly supported by Jo Hookway, who, alongside her late husband Chris, supported Sheffield Theatres’ Bank space, creating a dedicated hub for artists and companies from Sheffield and South Yorkshire to develop new work.
Applications are open now and will close at midnight on Sunday 26 July.
