OLIVE SCHREINER PRIZE
The prize is awarded for original literary work in English. It is expressly intended as encouragement for a writer who has produced work of great promise, but cannot yet be regarded as an established novelist, short story writer, poet or playwright. It is conferred for excellence in prose, poetry and drama, and devoted to one of these categories each year. In 2011 it will be awarded for DRAMA.
Entries are invited for the prize from publishers and/or authors who have published plays during 2008, 2009 and 2010. Plays of two or more acts (alternatively, two one-act plays) which have been published and/or performed in South Africa by a recognized theatre group or company (amateur or professional) will be accepted. Radio and television plays are also eligible. The length of the stage plays should be such as to provide a substantial evening’s entertainment in the theatre; radio and TV plays should take up to approximately one hour (or two half hours) of viewing or listening time. Typescripts of plays which have been produced must be accompanied by all relevant details (where and when produced, name of producer and theatre company, copies of programmes and reviews, etc.).
SOL PLAATJE PRIZE
The prize is awarded for excellence in translation of a literary text of at least 1 000 words (except in the case of poetry which is, of necessity, exempt from the length criterion) in one of the other official South African languages into English. The English text must represent a reasonably accurate translation of the original, while standing as a well expressed literary text in and of itself.
The translation must have been published in 2009 or 2010. One published copy of the original work and one published copy of the translation must be submitted.
The purpose of the prize is to encourage effective mutual understanding in our multilingual country.
THOMAS PRINGLE AWARDS
The awards are for various achievements, attention being turned to three different categories each year. Below are the three areas for achievement which will be honoured in 2011:
- Reviews of plays, books, films, art exhibitions, radio or television programmes published in newspapers and magazines during 2011 (Ideally, a portfolio of work should be submitted).
- Poems in journals and magazines published in 2009 and 2010
- Articles on English in education and the teaching of English published in journals in 2009 and 2010.
Entries for these prizes are invited from editors of journals, magazines and newspapers as well as from individual authors. Entries published in online newspapers, magazines or journals are also eligible, as long as they were published within the years under review. Details of such publication must be provided.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Works submitted must have been written by a resident of a Southern African country and published in Southern Africa.
More than one entry by the same author may be accepted. There is no entry form. However, all entries must be accompanied by a covering letter listing the entries and providing the full contact details of the entrant.
Three copies of each entry must be submitted, excerpt in the case of the Sol Plaatje Prize (see specifications above). All entries must be sent to the Academy’s Administrative Officer at P O Box 124, Wits, 2050.
Works submitted will be acknowledged but cannot be returned.
Each winner will receive a cash prize and a certificate.
DEADLINES
Thomas Pringle Award for Reviews only – 30 June 2011
All other awards – 31 May 2011
For more information, please contact Naomi Nkealah on 011 717 9339 or at englishacademy@societies.wits.ac.za
