Northern/Southern Exposure – Theatre Directors’ update

It was great to get to Melbourne recently, to meet with some of Theatre’s Victorian Key Organisations, and engage with issues in that part of the world.  A peak period of theatre activity meant the chance to see a bevy of shows – Ilbijerri theatre’s Sisters of Gelam, My Darling Patricia’s Africa and Bagryana Popov’s  Progress and Melancholy. A Melbourne Workers Theatre reading of Angus Cerini’s 19 Trains at the tiny Dog Theatre in Footscray rounded off a rewarding  couple of days. I never fail to be surprised by the incredible range of practice (and venues) that Melbourne produces.

I recently visited Alice Springs and Darwin to talk with artists, companies and venues. The journey began in Central Australia, as theatre practitioners gathered for a theatre forum to discuss the state of Theatre arts in Alice Springs, and raise questions about the best models for contemporary practice.  The following day I had many one-on-one meetings with some terrific artists about their projects and potential applications to the Theatre Board.  What can I say – Alice rocks!    

In Darwin I was taken on a guided tour of the city’s venues – many of which are outdoors.  These lush locations frame Darwin’s unique performance profile, and to be honest, I can’t wait to see them in action during the Darwin Festival in August 2010. I met with over a dozen artists and organisations – again, it is a place that boasts amazingly diverse artistic practice and cultural engagement.   Thanks to all the artists and colleagues who shared their experiences with me, making it a memorable and informative trip!