30.10.24
Hello, it’s Andrea right here, Yorta Yorta/Gunaikurnai theatremaker and Associate Artistic Director, reporting for responsibility.
I’ve the most effective jobs on the earth. I’m wing girl to Declan Greene (one among Australia’s hottest and brightest Artistic Directors on the town) and I get to contribute to the programming of latest Australian Theatre and direct a Griffin play every year.
You could have seen {that a} sure King and Queen did however “pass us by” throughout their fleeting (pun supposed) go to to Gadigal Country; and I’m penning this observe because the helicopters hover overhead whereas they go to Redfern.
You can also have heard about Djabwurrung/Gunnai/Gunidtjmara Senator Lidia Thorpe’s protest efficiency of kinds at Parliament House—wrapped in a possum pores and skin cloak, gum leaves in hand, loud, projected, unwavering voice—that captured the world’s consideration and compelled us to rethink, but once more, the troubled foundations of our nation… and it’s received me fascinated by politeness.
(Disclaimer: I’ve a bloodline connection to Senator Thorpe by way of my Grandmother).
Imagine if theatre was at all times well mannered—merely a spot to be humbled and entertained? Imagine if we didn’t have a spot to sit down in the dead of night in communion with others to contemplate the massive questions of our nation and the world round us, as Australia continues to grapple with its place on the earth?
Griffin is at the moment sofa browsing whereas our beloved SBW Stables Theatre readies herself for redevelopment and we’re bunking down with Hayes Theatre Co. for Flat Earthers: The Musical written by the blindingly gifted trio, Jean Tong, Lou Wall and James Gales and directed by Declan. I feel Hayes and Griffin are making good housemates and, evidently, Declan has taken to directing musicals like a duck to water.
I have to admit, I’m not a giant musical theatre-goer, however I had the good pleasure of donning my “Illuminati chic” and getting on right down to the opening night time; and even this previous woman had a rollicking good time. This present is by no means well mannered and would possibly even be a little bit risqué, however boy oh boy (or ought to I say, woman oh woman/them oh them!) does Flat Earthers have one thing to say concerning the states of thoughts on our planet. If you haven’t skilled this humorous and supremely sensible musical, catch it when you can!
Meanwhile I’m in pre-production for Alana Valentine’s Nucleus that’s first cab off the rank subsequent 12 months and, although I’ve learn the play a gazillion instances, it’s simply not possible for me to not be lowered to a blubbering mess by the sheer great thing about the writing and Alana’s name to arms to save lots of our planet and love one another with all our would possibly.
In the meantime, our hothouse of resident artists on the Griffin Studio (Josipa Draisma, Jorjia Gillis and Jacob Parker) and our inaugural Suzie Miller Award winner (Mary Rachel Brown) are tinkering away at their craft, contemplating the massive questions of the nation and being by no means well mannered.
I pinch myself on the nice privilege I’ve at Griffin to bear witness to those works in improvement—the fragile, courageous revealing of the soul that comes with talking reality to energy and saying what you actually need to say. Thankfully, Griffin Theatre Company is a secure place for these divergent views to be creatively expressed in all their energy and glory and that you just, our viewers, come alongside for the journey.
See you in a Griffin (sofa browsing) lobby someplace in Sydney quickly to yarn and think about the massive stuff.
Andrea James
Associate Artistic Director