Leaving a legacy
Late playwright’s family are “emotional” at how memorial fund supports students
The family of a late playwright say he would be “over the moon” by how his memorial fund is supporting aspiring theatre performers and writers.
The Michael Ross award was set up in 2020 to give a cash prize each year to a Birkbeck MA Text and Performance student with the highest performance in their dissertation.
Michael, who died of cancer in 2019 aged 40, requested in his will that his money should be used to support aspiring playwrights.
His brother Tom and mum Carol approached Birkbeck as script writing is taught on the MA Text and Performance course, run in partnership with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Birkbeck’s mission of making education accessible to all students, including those studying later in life or part-time around other commitments, also aligned with Michael’s goal to support older playwrights.
Tom said: “The award allows Michael’s name to live on.
“I can’t quite believe what we have been able to do. Michael would be over the moon as it’s incredible to see the impact on students.
“I was invited to see the play Blossoming (I Will Undo You) by Xun Huang, who won the award in 2022. It was fantastic to watch something that we had helped.
“I was blown away. It just shows the level of quality at Birkbeck.
“It was very emotional going home after seeing the play. It’s even emotional updating Michael’s website with the winners of the award.”
Michael Ross
Michael Ross
A graduate of the Royal Court’s Young Writers Programme, Michael tackled contemporary issues such as social media, housing, homelessness and corporate greed in his plays.
His latest work, The Shy Manifesto, was thought to be the most autobiographical and completed a five-week UK tour in 2019.
Tom said: “Michael’s plays were his way of connecting with the world. He viewed the theatre world as his family – a place he could find solace and comfort.”
Michael grew up in Surbiton, Surrey, and studied scriptwriting at Bournemouth University before returning to live and work in London. While honing his craft, he worked at the National Theatre bookshop for more than 10 years, where he was responsible for providing monologue suggestions to young actors.
Becks White, regular giving officer at Birkbeck
Becks White, regular giving officer at Birkbeck
Becks White, regular giving officer at Birkbeck, said: “It is an incredibly meaningful and personal gesture for Tom and Carol to support Birkbeck students in this way with the Michael Ross memorial fund.
“I’ve seen firsthand the crucial support this fund offers to students and the transformative effect it brings about.
“It’s heartwarming to witness how Michael’s family stay connected to Birkbeck and the students they support, feeling the enduring effects of Michael’s generosity.
“Engaging with those who care so deeply about our students and believe in Birkbeck’s future is truly humbling.”
To learn more or discuss the impact a gift in your will can have, email Becks on rebecca.white@bbk.ac.uk
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