BA (Hons) European Theatre Arts graduate Eyrún Ósk Jónsdóttir has won one of Iceland’s most prestigious literature awards for her new book of poems.
The Tómas Guðmundsson award is named after one of Iceland’s most celebrated poets and awarded by The City of Reykjavík.
On receiving her accolade from the Mayor of Reykjavik (pictured), Eyrún said:
"This is naturally a great honour for a writer to win the prize like this and I'm just emotional and grateful.”
Since graduating in 2005 Eyrún has had a career as a writer, actor and director. In addition she has written a number of plays that have been set up in theatres in Iceland and abroad both here and abroad. She has also written screenplays include, published three novels and two books of poetry.
Discussing her latest works, which have brought “blood, sweat and tears”, she explained:
“My poems are written from a child's perspective and are largely based on my own experience. They are therefore very personal, but of course much exaggerated to increase the dramatic impact of the poetry."
“The BA (Hons) European Theatre Arts programme gave me a whole new approach to writing and taught me so much. It opened up a whole new world for me in the creative process.”
Eyrún’s success has been covered extensively by the Icelandic media. As well as making headlines in the written and online press, she has also appeared on several television and radio shows.
BA (Hons) European Theatre Arts graduates have traditionally had a strong link with the Icelandic cultural scene. Other alumni include Kári Viðarsson, owner and Artistic Director of The Freezer and Alexander Roberts, co-director of Reykjavik Dance Festival.