Iraqi writer Hassan Abdulrazzak has won the 2008 George Devine Award for new writing for his debut play, Baghdad Wedding, the Royal Court has announced.
Baghdad Wedding opened at the Soho in June 2007, directed by Lisa Goldman. Humorous and touching, the play tells of three friends grappling with their sexual, cultural and political identities in modern Iraq.
Playwright Adulrazzak lived in Egypt and Algeria after fleeing Iraq, before finally settling in London. He is currently working on his second play.
Established in 1966 in memory of the founding Artistic Director of the Royal Court, George Devine, this annual award in his name is open to any playwright who has written an original stage play, which need not have been produced, and comes with a prize of £10,000.
Previous winners of the award include Edward Bond (1968), Mike Leigh (1973), Martin McDonagh (1996), Roy Williams (2000) and Laura Wade (2005).
CB