Beeta playwright competition returns with 7th edition

The Beeta Playwright Competition (BPC) has announced its 7th edition with a new theme and structure aimed at supporting emerging African writers. This year’s theme, “Connected Realities: A Closer World in a Digital Age,” encourages playwrights to explore how technology is shaping human connections. For the first time, participants must attend a mandatory pre-submission workshop […]

The Beeta Playwright Competition (BPC) has announced its 7th edition with a new theme and structure aimed at supporting emerging African writers.

This year’s theme, “Connected Realities: A Closer World in a Digital Age,” encourages playwrights to explore how technology is shaping human connections. For the first time, participants must attend a mandatory pre-submission workshop to qualify. The training will be led by internationally acclaimed playwright Dipo Agboluaje.

Founder of the Beeta Arts Universal Foundation, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, described the competition as “a platform for growth, for learning, and for launching careers,” noting that the 2025 edition challenges writers to “imagine bolder, connect deeper, and think globally.”

Brand Communications Lead at BUAF, Folakemi Philips, also noted that the newly introduced workshop would help raise the quality of submissions.

The judging panel will be chaired by Professor Ahmed Yerima, alongside Dr Shaibu Husseini, Ego Boyo, Ibiso Graham-Douglas, Kenneth Uphopho, and Ayo Jaiyesimi, and winners will receive a cash award, publication of their play, and a professional stage production.