John Retallack spotted a gap in the theatre market.
"Not enough plays for teenagers and not enough transfers from Europe," says the Theatre Cafe Festival director.
Now in its fifth year, John's detective work is beating Britain's bad habit of ignoring its continental counterparts.
Scouring theatre festivals from Lisbon to Ljublijana, the five-day festival then presents its findings with a series of scripted readings.
Last year's favourites, Norway Today and This Child (France), went on to be developed into full productions for this year's festival.
Of the five hopefuls this year, one stands to win a £20,000 development grant. All the plays have been translated especially, so grab the kids and take your pick.
Last year's winners are at the Southwark Playhouse, corner of Tooley Street and Bermondsey Street. £8-20, book early for cheapest seats. Call 020 7407 0234. See www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
Norway Today by Igor Bauersima runs Fri-Sat (Nov 14/15) 7.30pm
Internet buddies Julie and August make a suicide pact. Armed with tents and a camcorder they arrive at the foot of a desolate cliff in the Norwegian wilderness to begin their final ascent.
This Child by Joel Pommerat runs Mon-Thurs (Nov 10-13) 7.30pm
A huge hit in France, This Child examines the struggle between parent and child. A cast of seven adults and five teens flow from the noblest to the most shameful of emotions.
This year's readings are at the Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street.
Call 020 7645 0560. See www.unicorntheatre.com
SenseS by Anja Hilling (Germany)
Divided into five separate scenes, Senses follows teenagers as they explore love and the inevitability of heart-breaking choices. Tuesday, November 11 at 10.45am.
Nightblind by Darja Stocker (Switzerland)
Leyla's life is on the verge of collapse. A tale of liberation versus endurance - as well as the necessity of dreaming. Wednesday, November 12 at 10.45am.
Sandholm by Anna Clemensensen Bro (Denmark)
A young woman by the name of Job arrives at the gates of Sandholm, an asylum centre near Copenhagen. An investigation of hope based on real interviews. Tuesday, November 11, at 1.45pm.
Headcase by Esther Gerritsen (Holland)
Lena is a successful painter - with a secret. No one knows that she is paralysed from the neck down and paints all her pictures with her mouth.
Unsentimental, witty and winner of the Dutch-German Youth Theatre Prize in 2008.
Wednesday, November 12, at 1.45pm.
Bulger by Klas Tindemans (Belgium)
'We were old enough to end up in prison, but too young for anyone to listen to us.'
Loosely based on the 1993 murder trial, Bulger challenges common perceptions of guilt and innocence. Thursday, November 13, at 10.45am.
