next swan down the river might be black

Sean Burn's plays have been staged by a number of companies across Europe and in the UK. His thirty short films have received screenings worldwide, as well as at Tate Modern and National Film Theatre Studios, London. The latest - Widescream - was joint winner of 2010's Old Vic short monologue competition. His latest solo show - Bastilles Englan - taking poet John Clare's asylum break out and five day walk to freedom in 1841 has toured internationally. He was shortlisted for a Dadafest Disability Arts Award 2009 for next swan down the river might be black and this play was also shortlisted for the BBC's Alfred Bradley Bursary Award 2011.

"liked the glimpse it gave the audience of a world that most people don't see". Abigail le Fleming, Development Producer, BBC Radio drama"a strong story of three women at an enormously important and particular crossroads in their lives." Penny Gulliver, Criticalinks"very powerful." Cat Jarman, Arts Development Officer, Newcastle City Council"important subject and beautifully written". Kylie Lloyd, Head Of Participation, Northern Stage""very moved. powerful, realistic, well structured, strong." Dr Tom Shakespeare, Research Fellow, Newcastle University"well observed from all angles." Lucy Warner, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital"The play examines the precarious relationship between the women and sheds some light on the complexities of psychiatric care in the 21st century...poetic and often distressing..." The Stage