Deadline: 15-Nov-2025
The African Griot Review is proud to announce the return of the Alexander Nderitu World Literature Prize to honour original, one-act stage plays from anywhere in the world.
The contest is open to writers anywhere in the world, aged over 18. All entries must be in English. Translations and adaptations are not eligible. The entry must not be optioned, commissioned, performed or been previously published anywhere, including online. Simultaneous submissions are fine but please inform them if your work is published or staged elsewhere during the judging process.
They’re looking for a play that is about 15 minutes long. A minute of dialogue is roughly one page of script. The playwright’s name must not appear anywhere on the submitted document. One may submit up to three different plays. Each play must have only one writer, no collaborators. Plagiarism and assistance from Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tools are grounds for instant disqualification. While not essential, the Standard Stage Play format is recommended.
All entries are to be submitted in Adobe PDF format. In the subject tab, type: ‘2025 Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature Submission’. In the body of the e-mail furnish the following information: Title of your play, Your full name, Your nationality, Your age, Your daytime telephone number, Your preferred email address, A brief bio (300 words max). Add your short play as a PDF attachment. (Remember not to include any identifiers in the attachment.)
The Judge’s decision is final. The winning entry will be published in The African Griot Review. This year’s contest will be judged by award-winning writer and critic Alexander Nderitu. The contest opens on 15 August 2025 and closes on 15 November 2025.
A single winner will be selected by the prize founder, Kenyan-born writer and critic Alexander Nderitu. The longlist will be announced in December 2025, followed by the shortlist in February 2026. The final winner will be unveiled at a literary event in April 2026.
The winning playwright will receive a cash prize of Kshs 50,000, a one-year online promotion campaign, and a feature on the cover of The African Griot Review magazine. In addition, the winning play will be published in The African Griot Review, offering the playwright wider recognition and visibility.
For more information, visit TheAfricanGriot.com.
