Anya Reiss

Anya Reiss is a British playwright who gained widespread acclaim at a young age, becoming the youngest-ever playwright to have a play staged at the Royal Court Theatre. Reiss’s debut play Spur of the Moment (2010), written when she was just 17, explores the complexities of adolescence and the boundaries of inappropriate relationships. The play was praised for its sharp, insightful dialogue and mature handling of sensitive themes, earning Reiss several awards, including the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright.

Reiss’s later works include The Acid Test (2011), which explores intergenerational conflict and gender dynamics. Her writing is marked by a focus on young people and their struggles with identity, relationships, and the often confusing world around them. She has also adapted several classic works, including The Seagull and Three Sisters, bringing a contemporary sensibility to these canonical texts. Reiss is known for her fresh perspective and ability to articulate the challenges of youth.

Reiss spoke to Simon Stephens in S1 Ep10 of Playwright’s Podcast.