American writer Kimber Lee’s untitled f*ck miss sa*gon play (srsly this is not the title) scooped the International Award, a newly introduced category for the Prize.  Kimber Lee takes home £8,000 and her script will begin the development process with the Royal Exchange Theatre.

New York-based playwright Kimber Lee’s work has been presented by The Lark, Page 73, Hedgebrook, Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, Bay Area Playwrights Festival, Old Globe Theater, and Magic Theatre. Her shortlisted play untitled f*ck miss sa*gon play (srsly this is not the title), is a fresh look at absurd Asian stereotypes across American entertainment. The piece parodies media from 1949’s South Pacific through to 2016’s Moana, with a smart political commentary.

The Judges felt a hugely emotional response to Kimber’s script – routed for the main character, cared about her, stuck with her through thick and thin.

They said ‘This opened something up for me that I’ve never seen before. The sharpness of the wit and the searing commentary on society. It went from funny and absurd to painful and tragic and back again with such skill. This play is absolutely staring into the belly of the beast in society but in a human, warm, and utterly engaging way. There was also a feeling that you built a relationship with the writer through the work – even though we didn’t know who the writer was – there was such a strong voice. It feels like it absolutely needs to be done now.’

Kimber was anonymously invited to submit to the International Prize via out partners Berkeley Rep

Berkeley Repertory Theatre has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its ambition, relevance, and excellence, as well as its adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. Over 5.5 million people have enjoyed nearly 500 shows at Berkeley Rep, which have gone on to win six Tony Awards, seven Obie Awards, nine Drama Desk Awards, one Grammy Award, one Pulitzer Prize, and many other honors. Berkeley Rep received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. To formalize, enhance, and expand the processes by which Berkeley Rep makes theatre, The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep’s Center for the Creation and Development of New Work was launched in 2012. The Berkeley Rep School of Theatre engages and educates some 20,000 people a year and helps build the audiences of tomorrow with its nationally recognized teen programs. Berkeley Rep’s bustling facilities — which also include the 400-seat Peet’s Theatre, the 600-seat Roda Theatre, and a spacious campus in West Berkeley — are helping revitalize a renowned city. Be a Rep.