Australian First: Queensland Theatre Company’s National Artistic Team

Queensland Theatre Company’s new Artistic Director Sam Strong has wasted no time in propelling the company onto the national and international stage.

Today, Sam announced a groundbreaking National Artistic Team, which is an Australian-first. The programme will see 10 leading artists work closely with Sam in dissolving borders to create an exchange between the best of Queensland and rest of the country.

Sam Strong

The line-up of artists are a deliberately eclectic mix of disciplines including actors, writers, directors, designers, dramaturgs, devisors, programmers and provocateurs. The National Artistic Team includes:

Jimi Bani

Torres Strait Islander performer and writer living in far North Queensland and working on a national and global scale. Jimi won acclaim for his performance as Eddie Mabo in the famous ABC TV series, and this year will perform at Belvoir in Sydney and the Barbican in London.

Wayne Blair

Actor, director and writer of stage and screen originally from Rockhampton. Wayne directed feature film 'The Sapphires' and 'Redfern Now'.

Margi Brown Ash

Brisbane theatremaker and educator with a special interest in artist pathways. Margi has nurtured countless generations of Queensland artists and arts workers.

Marcel Dorney

Brisbane writer, director and dramaturg now living in Melbourne, Marcel is the previous winner of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award. He is the creator of award-winning work around the country with Elbow Room.

Christie Evangelisto

Former Literary Director at Signature Theatre in New York Christie now resides in Sydney and is a Director of musical theatre/ resident dramaturg at Playwright’s Horizons.

Kat Henry

One of Australia’s next generation directors and the former resident Director at MKA New Writing Theatre in Melbourne and Alumni of MTC Women Director’s programme.

Nakkiah Lui

Writer, performer and cultural commentator, Nakkiah penned 'Kill The Messenger' and 'This Heaven' at Belvoir. Also writer and performer for ABC’s Black Comedy.

Annette Madden

Curator, programmer and producer, former director of BSharp at Belvoir and executive producer of the Perth International Arts Festival.

Renée Mulder

One of the country’s leading theatre designers, and former resident designer at STC, Renée returns to her hometown Brisbane.

Lucas Stibbard

Actor and Director known for his innovative body of work with 'The Escapists', Lucas is long-time contributor to Brisbane’s cultural landscape. He is currently undertaking his inaugural Masters of Cultural Leadership and is on stage in MTC’s production of 'North By Northwest'.

“We are throwing open the doors of QTC and involving more artists than ever before in key leadership positions in the company. This is sending a message about our commitment to lead from Brisbane and do things differently,” says Sam.

“This is a unique leadership team comprising 60 per cent women, 30 per cent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and 70 per cent Queenslanders. They are the eyes and ears paying genuine attention to artists and their work in various cities throughout Australia, and overseas. They are the brains and hearts thinking about what Australian theatre needs, and sharing their intense passion for its magic.”

Strong will unveil his first season (2017) this coming September, with all members of the National Artistic Team present.

“The National Artistic Team is a living, working example of the key principles of the new regime at QTC: combining great local and interstate talent as a means of nurturing both; bringing Queenslanders back to their home state; continuing the Company’s commitment to Indigenous voices (and embracing the next generation of those voices), and providing a first home for the brightest new talent from around the country.

“A core part of the National Artistic Team’s role is to create opportunities for others and do more to look after people at all stages of their careers.

“This year we have National Artistic Team members in Far North Queensland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and wherever else they might happen to find themselves – and we are paying attention! So if you are making a show anywhere in Australia, let us know.”