Bronwyn Elsmore is a fifth-generation New Zealander who has lived in several centres in North Island, New Zealand. She has a PhD from Victoria University of Wellington. Throughout her writing career she has written over a wide range of genres, fiction and non-fiction, being the author of a large number of published works – short stories, articles, and nine books. She has three times been winner of Playwrights Association’s playwriting competition and has earned many awards for other forms of writing. Seven of Bronwyn’s plays have been staged in NZ theatres. She lives in Waitakere, where she is a full-time writer, now preferring to write fiction and plays. Website: www.flaxroots.com
Bronwyn Elsmore
"First the dairy factory, then the school - both gone north. We're lucky to have a postshop and one bank left - though who knows for how long. There's hardly anything left to call Ruawhetu any more. The whole place is going down the road - literally."
And now the A-Bandon Underwear factory, one of the last surviving industries in the town is threatened with closure.
Cast: 5
Bronwyn Elsmore
Two school pupils, lost on a school trip, encounter some different 'people'.
This play, written for children of about intermediate school age, subtly explores the subject of racism.
Cast 14: variable mixture of girls and boys.
Can be expanded by further non-speaking parts supporting each group.
Cast: 14
Bronwyn Elsmore
What really goes on 'upstairs' in the heavenly realm. Are angels 'angelic' or are they more likely to engage in celestial shenanigans? A novice angel arrives in "God's own Godzone", the heavens above New Zealand, and learns some fascinating facts about life in the hereafter. Many of life's little mysteries explained! Could be performed by actors of either gender.
Cast: 5
Bronwyn Elsmore
From the ancient past to the present, from mythic time to the nuclear age, Creations traces the development of islands and people in the Pacific. The story unfolds with focus on the character Hina as she grows up, and how she is affected by ideas and present situations.
Cast: 9
Bronwyn Elsmore
A group of actors present the play Goldilocks, but must be helped by the audience to unmuddle the right story from other fairytales. An enjoyable play for adult actors to perform for young children. Approximately 1 hour.
Parts could also be played by 2 females and 3 males.
Cast: 5
Bronwyn Elsmore
When the neighbouring farm property changes hands, the Fagg family of Poranginui are pressured by the new owner to sell part of their farm also. A private detective arrives on the scene, and the children conduct their own investigation. Just who is Sherman Jones? Where has Grandpa gone? And is there really a body in the swamp?
Cast includes 7 girls and 6 boys (teenagers)
Cast: 18
Bronwyn Elsmore
Four women who meet to play cards challenge the inevitability of sliding into old age. They decide to take up various challenges. "It's a bit like Russian Roulette," says Ngaire. "The chances are better in that," replies Merryn, "there it's only one in six that you get the bullet."
Cast: 4
Bronwyn Elsmore
The setting is an A & P Show, a central event of institutional proportions in New Zealand for well over one hundred years. Against this setting, and amidst the varied competitive events taking place, issues which have affected a family during the past year come to a head.
Cast: 5
Bronwyn Elsmore
The staff of Mandell Motors decide on a social evening and go Ten-pin Bowling. However, the timing of the event could hardly be worse, and not only do competitive characteristics arise but tensions over a recent marriage split are also played out during the game. A comedy with plenty of action.
Cast: 6
Bronwyn Elsmore
When rats invade Hamelin, the women of the town form a pressure group to lobby the City Council and Housefraus United succeed in having their leader elected to office. A tussle develops over the mayoral chain, while the young people solve the mystery of the children. Cast includes choruses of townsfolk, children and rats.
Includes 6pp musical score
Cast: 13
Bronwyn Elsmore
Through the character of Mary and her memories and observations, a story of New Zealand as it was and is now, is revealed. The small town of Waimamae is a quiet place but its people, Maori and Pakeha, live with hopes, dreams, and loss. Set between the 1950s and the present, Waimamae explores changing situations and attitudes.
Cast: 4