Matilda Awards recognise Queensland's top theatre performers
Published Monday, 31 March, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Arts Minister Rod Welford has tonight recognised the leading players in Queensland’s theatre sector in a presentation ceremony of the 2008 Matilda Awards at QPAC.
Mr Welford said the state’s performing arts sector was enjoying a period of audience growth, sell-out shows, innovation and national recognition.
“For the past 21 years, the Matilda Awards have acknowledged and encouraged outstanding performers in Queensland’s theatre sector,” Mr Welford said.
“Our Government is pleased to contribute $10,000 to the annual Matilda Awards to honour the top five theatre workers in Queensland.
“The Queensland Government sponsored categories are best New Australian Work, Best Main Stage Production, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress.”
Previous Matilda winners include playwright David Brown; the director of the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) Aubrey Mellor; nationally and internationally renowned director David Berthold; and actor/director Jean Marc Russ.
The major winners of the 2008 Matilda Awards are:
- Best New Australian Work: The Kursk by Sasha Janowicz, produced by Metro Arts Independents
- Best Main Stage Production: A tie between The Narcissist from La Boite Theatre Company and The Glass Menagerie from the Queensland Theatre Company
- Best Director: Michael Futcher for The Kursk, produced by Metro Arts Independents
- Best Actor: Barry Otto in Queensland Theatre Company’s Heroes
- Best Actress: Helen Cassidy in Queensland Theatre Company’s The Glass Menagerie
Mr Welford said for the first time in 2008 theatre workers living outside Queensland could be nominated for work undertaken locally.
“The Queensland Government has supported the Matilda Awards since their inception in 1987 by Brisbane theatre critics Alison Cotes and Sue Gough,” he said.
“As the only awards of their type in the state, they play a significant role in boosting the profile and careers of our artists, producers, writers, designers and technicians.”
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336
Mr Welford said the state’s performing arts sector was enjoying a period of audience growth, sell-out shows, innovation and national recognition.
“For the past 21 years, the Matilda Awards have acknowledged and encouraged outstanding performers in Queensland’s theatre sector,” Mr Welford said.
“Our Government is pleased to contribute $10,000 to the annual Matilda Awards to honour the top five theatre workers in Queensland.
“The Queensland Government sponsored categories are best New Australian Work, Best Main Stage Production, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress.”
Previous Matilda winners include playwright David Brown; the director of the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) Aubrey Mellor; nationally and internationally renowned director David Berthold; and actor/director Jean Marc Russ.
The major winners of the 2008 Matilda Awards are:
- Best New Australian Work: The Kursk by Sasha Janowicz, produced by Metro Arts Independents
- Best Main Stage Production: A tie between The Narcissist from La Boite Theatre Company and The Glass Menagerie from the Queensland Theatre Company
- Best Director: Michael Futcher for The Kursk, produced by Metro Arts Independents
- Best Actor: Barry Otto in Queensland Theatre Company’s Heroes
- Best Actress: Helen Cassidy in Queensland Theatre Company’s The Glass Menagerie
Mr Welford said for the first time in 2008 theatre workers living outside Queensland could be nominated for work undertaken locally.
“The Queensland Government has supported the Matilda Awards since their inception in 1987 by Brisbane theatre critics Alison Cotes and Sue Gough,” he said.
“As the only awards of their type in the state, they play a significant role in boosting the profile and careers of our artists, producers, writers, designers and technicians.”
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336