Queensland Premier and Minister for the Arts Anna Bligh this morning announced the appointment of Wesley Enoch as the incoming Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre Company, the state’s flagship theatre company, and one of Australia’s major performing arts organisations.
“I am delighted to welcome Wesley Enoch back to Brisbane to take on the artistic leadership of Queensland Theatre Company,” said the Premier.
“Wesley is a distinguished Queensland theatre maker, who has been busy in his freelance career nationally and internationally in the last ten years. Queensland Theatre Company was an important part of his early career, and we are confident that his roles in Sydney Theatre Company and Company B Belvoir, will bring valuable experience as Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre Company.
“He will join the Company on a part-time basis from July this year, and be in the role full-time in the first quarter of 2011, so he can fulfill his existing commitments”
The Premier says Wesley Enoch joins the Company at an important time, as the Company celebrates its 40th anniversary. Wesley takes over from Michael Gow, who is leaving to pursue his freelance career as a writer and director.
Chair Kate Foy, said that Wesley was the standout candidate from a strong pool of national and international candidates.
“It was a unanimous decision by the panel,” she said. “Wesley has an impressive track record as a freelance artist, significant experience in mainstage companies across Australia, and international success with a number of shows he has written or directed.”
“He is a great advocate for new work, has a strong interest in developing regional and educational activities, and is a master storyteller.”
Wesley Enoch, originally from Stradbroke Island said, “I am delighted to be taking on this role from one of Australia’s most respected theatre-makers Michael Gow. I look forward to building on the successes of Michael’s leadership as well as developing some new initiatives that will celebrate Queensland’s place in the national arts industry.”
Biography
Wesley Enoch is one of Australia’s busiest theatre directors. Originally from Stradbroke Island (Minjeribah) he is a proud Noonuccal Nuugi man. He has worked with all of Australia’s major theatre companies including Queensland Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, State Theatre Company of South Australia, Black Swan, Griffin Theatre Company, Hothouse, Ilbijerri, Yirra Yaakin, Windmill, Malthouse and Company B. His work has been staged in all major festivals of the country and regularly tours overseas. He is a well known writer and cultural leader and is a member of a number of industry boards and committees including the Creative Australia Advisory Group, Ethics Council (National Congress of Australia’s First People) and a Trustee of the Sydney Opera House.
