Moss 2009 Blackburn Winner

The Stage reports that playwright Chloe Moss has won this year's Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, which recognises women from around the world who have written works of "outstanding quality" for the English-speaking theatre.

Moss was presented with a prize of $20,000 for her play This Wide Night, which focuses on two women trying to start their lives again after being released from prison.

It was commissioned by Clean Break and first performed at the Soho Theatre in London.

Moss beat competition from nine other finalists - comprising one Indian writer, four US writers and a further four British playwrights - to win the award, which was presented by Sigourney Weaver at a ceremony in London last night.

Lucinda Coxon, who penned Happy Now?, which premiered at the National Theatre, received a special commendation award of $5,000 for her work.