London-based Ukrainian playwright and screenwriter Olga Braga has been named the winner of the 2025 Theatre503 International Playwriting Award for her searing new work Donbas. The announcement was made today at an award ceremony hosted by Theatre503’s Chair James Dacre and Artistic Director Anthony Simpson-Pike at the 503Studio in Nine Elms.
Chosen from a pool of 1,377 submissions representing 49 countries, Donbas was praised by judges for its bold theatricality and urgent storytelling. Set in a war-torn Ukrainian town, the play delves into the lives of Sashare, recently released from prison, his father Seryoga, and girlfriend Marianca, alongside local soldiers Dmitry and Alexei. It’s a stark meditation on survival, fractured communities, and the quiet defiance of those living through conflict.
Braga expressed her gratitude:
“Winning the 2025 Theatre503 International Playwriting Award is such an extraordinary honour… To have everything come full circle with this award feels truly special.”
The win marks a breakthrough for Braga, whose previous works including Return to Sender, a finalist in the 2023 Awards have already drawn critical attention. She has won the Off-West-End Adopt a Playwright Award and is currently attached to the National Theatre and under commission with the RSC.
In addition to a £6,000 prize, Braga’s play will receive a world premiere production at Theatre503 and be published by Samuel French Ltd, a Concord Theatricals Company.
Other finalists included:
- Annice, A Slave by Joslyn Housley (USA)
- Dead Skin by Marie Amélie Giron (France)
- Dog Dog Dog by Terri Jade Donovan (UK)
- Final Boarding Call by Stefani Kuo (USA)
Anthony Simpson-Pike hailed Donbas as “groundbreaking, urgent and boldly theatrical,” noting its resonance in today’s fractured geopolitical climate. James Dacre added that the shortlist represents “extraordinary diversity” from across the English-speaking world.
The award is generously supported by Philip Carne MBE, Christine Carne, and Samuel French Limited.
