Six finalists in search of fifteen minutes of fame will have their entries in the Bermuda Foundation-sponsored play-writing competition performed before a live audience at Daylesford Theatre from February 21 to 23. Ironically, all of them are women, and one is a young black Bermudian student at CedarBridge Academy.

The finalists, with the titles of their plays, are: Sarina Bean ('Answer the Door'), Justine Foster ('A Good Man'), Marg Hammond ('Last Supper'), Barbara Jones ('These Things'), Julia Pitt ('Ice Breaker'), and Carol Birch ('Just Reward').

Miss Bean's play will be directed by fellow Bermudian Andra Simons.

The 'Famous for 15 Minutes New Play Contest' attracted 27 anonymous entries from which the finalists were chosen by a panel of judges. Each of the plays will be competing for the 'Golden Inkwell' award, which is to be presented on the final night by a mystery celebrity judge flown in by the hosts, the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society (BMDS).

The concept for the contest was created by Bermuda resident Tom Coash, who had previously run playwriting workshops. It subsequently received the support of the BMDS drama committee, but funding to bring it to fruition was a major concern until the Bank of Bermuda Foundation and others in the community stepped in with financial contributions.

Although the BMDS is hosting the series, the production is being sponsored by the Bermuda Foundation, which benefits charitable and non-profit activities. 'Famous for 15 Minutes' was of particular interest to the Foundation since the proceeds will go to the BMDS Charitable Trust. The latter was set up 18 months ago, inspired by donations to the BMDS in memory of Kate Huntington, who died tragically in India. Miss Huntington had acted in BMDS productions, and her loss encouraged the Society's executive committee to develop a charitable fund for anyone in Bermuda with an interest in pursuing theatre.

Acknowledging that the BMDS has been the subject of a "false, misleading impression that...it is just an expatriate group", a spokesperson said, in relation to Sarina Bean's success as a finalist, that "such involvement can only stimulate growth, tolerance, and better understanding towards each other. The BMDS is strongly committed to diversity, and we encourage all ethnicities, ages and cultures to participate in our organisation".

For further information contact Kelvin Hastings-Smith at 298-3224 or e-mail khastingsask.bm