Quebec playwright Mishka Lavigne is one of the four finalists for the Siminovitch Prize, the most prestigious award in the country’s theater sector.
Based in Gatineau, Mishka Lavigne has already won the Governor General’s Award for plays twice. Haven (in 2019) and Shavings (in 2021). She has also translated numerous literary and dramatic texts, notably those by Karen Hines, Lorraine Hansbury, Lorena Gale, Reneltta Arluk and Dominique Morriseau.
The other nominations are from bi. young anitafrika (from Brampton, Ontario), Berni Stapleton (from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador) and David Yee (from Toronto, Ontario).
The president of the 2023 Siminovitch Prize jury, Guillermo Verdecchia, declared in a press release: “The finalist artists appeared to us to be both deeply attentive to language and very aware of the particular possibilities that theatrical performance offers. Each artist has developed a unique voice and practice and relentlessly pursues distinctive aesthetic questions and concerns. Finalist artists are recognized and celebrated leaders in their communities, producing exceptional and exciting work that provokes and delights audiences. »
The name of the winner will be revealed on December 4. In addition to the main scholarship, worth $75,000, a sum of $25,000 will be awarded to an emerging artist chosen by the winner.
Note that playwright, director and performer Marie Brassard won the prize in 2022.