We are thrilled to announce the winners of Gitelman & Good Publishers’ Friendship and Loyalty Playwriting Contest. After careful consideration of many outstanding submissions, we selected three plays that uniquely capture the essence of friendship and loyalty, showcasing these timeless themes through compelling stories and unforgettable characters. Each winning play will be published in our catalog, and the writers will receive a year’s free subscription to Play Submissions Helper.
Without further ado, here are our winners:
- Gilgamesh: A Stage Adaptation of the Ancient Sumerian Epic, by Domenick Scudera. Domenick Scudera’s Gilgamesh breathes new life into one of humanity’s oldest stories. The play centers around the legendary friendship between Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, and Enkidu, a wild man created to be his equal. Their bond grows from rivalry to deep mutual respect and love, with Enkidu’s death sending Gilgamesh on an epic quest to understand mortality and meaning. The strength of their friendship, alongside Gilgamesh’s loyalty to Enkidu even beyond death, makes this play a powerful exploration of the contest’s theme.
- A Shore of Abundance, by Rosemary Pearl Moore. A Shore of Abundance transports audiences to an imaginative world where friendship and loyalty are tested in the face of adventure and adversity. The relationship between Eleanor (Captain Brooks) and her childhood friend Sarah anchors this fantastical journey, as Sarah supports Eleanor’s mission to rescue her father, despite the dangers they face. The loyalty they display, both to each other and to their larger quest, speaks to the deep emotional bonds that define true friendship. Rosemary Pearl Moore’s play offers a touching and magical reflection on how friendships endure in the most trying circumstances.
- The Enemy of the State, by Simon Bowler. In The Enemy of the State, Simon Bowler delves into the trial of Socrates in ancient Athens, focusing on the philosopher’s unyielding loyalty to his principles. Though the play is less about personal friendship, Socrates’ loyalty to truth and justice—at the cost of his own life—presents a profound examination of loyalty to ideals. The play masterfully brings to life the conflict between personal integrity and public opinion, making it a thought-provoking choice that aligns with the contest’s theme in a unique and powerful way.
We would like to extend our congratulations to these incredible writers! Their plays will soon be available in our catalog, and we’re excited to share their stories with schools and theater groups. Additionally, each writer will receive a year’s free subscription to Play Submissions Helper to aid them in submitting future works.
Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. The level of talent and creativity we witnessed was truly inspiring. Stay tuned for more opportunities and contests from Gitelman & Good Publishers!