A local writer has earned top honours at the 2023 International Radio Playwriting Competition.

Hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, this global competition offers playwrights the opportunity to use the medium of radio drama to reach an international audience of millions across continents.

This year, there were 677 entries from 94 countries, with 380 in the English as a First Language category and 297 in the English as a Second Language category.

Local freelance journalist and writer Julien Neaves was named the winner of the English as a First Language category.

His entry was ‘The Mighty Corbeau’, a story about an ageing calypso singer who decides to come out of retirement to finally prove he is better than his award-winning rival of many years.

It was described as “A lively and poignant exploration of ageing and mental health.”

There was also praise from chair of the judging panel, Nigel Hastings, who said, “The judges were particularly impressed by the way ‘The Mighty Corbeau’ uses the medium of audio drama to create an intriguing world and compelling story…”

Winning the English as a Second Language category was Hyukin Michaela Kwon (South Korea) with the entry ‘Steady Eyes’.

BBC News says both winners will go to London in November to see their plays recorded for broadcast on the BBC World Service, and to attend a prize-giving ceremony.

In an interview with 103.1FM News, Mr Neaves opened up about his achievement, and the impact he hopes it will have.

Q: What were your initial thoughts/emotions on learning that you had won, especially since there were hundreds of entries from countries all around the world?

A: I was ecstatic. Truly ecstatic. It felt like all my hopes and dreams as an aspiring writer had come to fruition in one moment. And knowing that it was from among a field of hundreds of entries from around the world made me feel especially proud of myself and honoured for what it represented for my country.

Q: What prompted you to submit an entry?

A: I first entered the competition in 2018 and won the Caribbean region with a play entitled Tanty Get An Android about an elderly woman adjusting to life with her new synthetic helper. When I saw the competition was being advertised late last year I decided to re-enter with a new play.

Q: Writers always have a source of inspiration. What was yours for this piece?

A: The original version of this play dates back to the mid-90s. in that version it was a retired calypsonian and his wife and dealt with society’s penchant for forgetting and neglecting our artists. Later as I developed the story I decided to add the additional level of mental health. What if the person who is worried about being forgotten begins to forget himself? And this was inspired by a newspaper interview I did years ago with a woman whose both parents were suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Q: This competition is for Radio Playwriting. What do you think your achievement means for this specific type of writing here in T&T or just local writers in general?

A: I do hope it helps revive interest in the Radio Playwriting format. We have so many talented playwrights and a plethora of radio stations. Why not have a couple of stations broadcasting radio plays once a month? I think there is an appetite and an interest for this type of content that is not being tapped into. And in terms of writers in general, I hope my win encourages them to work on their craft and enter this and other similar competitions. This is just the latest in a series of literary accomplishments from our tiny country. There’s no reason that you can’t be next.

Q: Where can persons access/read “The Mighty Corbeau”?

A: The play is not available to read but it will be broadcast on BBC Radio on a date to be announced. So stay tuned.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: I have been writing since I was a child and I have fond memories of selling my original mini-comic books to my neighbour for twenty-five cents apiece. My dream has long been to be a published writer and this has taken various forms over the years, including poetry, prose and playwriting. I have also worked as a journalist for more than 20 years.

Q: What are some of the topics/genres covered in your writing?

A: My topics have covered quite the spectrum and have gone from family drama to science fiction to the supernatural to the pseudo-historical to noir murder mystery. I don’t like to confine myself to any one genre but I like to explore whatever catches my fancy at the time.

Q: What advice do you have for other local writers?

A: You need to believe in you and your own worth. It’s great to win competitions but it starts with a love for writing and a passion for storytelling. It is that passion that must drive you and not outside recognition. And also, be teachable and willing to take good advice. No work is perfect and there is always room for improvement. And finally, put your work out there and keep trying. If the talent is truly there with effort and perseverance it will eventually be recognised.