Sydney Theatre Company

Sydney Theatre Company
Name	Sydney Theatre Company
Founded	1978
Founder	Richard Wherrett
Type	Theatre company
Location	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Key people	Kip Williams (Artistic Director), Ann Johnson (Chair)

Sydney Theatre Company. The Sydney Theatre Company is one of Australia's foremost theatre companies, renowned for its ambitious productions and commitment to both classic and contemporary works. Founded in 1978, it has become a cornerstone of the nation's cultural landscape, operating from its primary home at The Wharf in Walsh Bay. The company is celebrated for fostering the careers of numerous acclaimed Australian artists and for presenting a diverse repertoire that engages local and international audiences.

History

The company was established in 1978 by founding artistic director Richard Wherrett, with initial performances held at the Drama Theatre of the Sydney Opera House. Its creation was part of a broader movement to establish state theatre companies across Australia, following the model of institutions like the Melbourne Theatre Company. Early landmark productions included a celebrated 1979 staging of Shakespeare's The Tempest and the Australian premiere of David Williamson's *The Club*. The company secured its permanent administrative and rehearsal home in 1984 with the redevelopment of Pier 4 at The Wharf, a move that solidified its identity. A significant chapter began in 2008 with the appointment of Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton as artistic directors, a tenure that elevated the company's international profile through tours to venues like the Lincoln Center in New York City.

Artistic direction

Leadership of the company has been instrumental in shaping its artistic vision. Following Richard Wherrett, subsequent artistic directors have included Wayne Harrison, Robyn Nevin, and the celebrated partnership of Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton. The current artistic director, Kip Williams, appointed in 2016, is known for his innovative, technology-driven productions such as the acclaimed *The Picture of Dorian Gray*. The artistic direction is supported by a board chaired by Ann Johnson and works in close collaboration with resident artists and playwrights, maintaining a strong focus on developing new Australian works alongside reimagined classics.

Notable productions

The company's repertoire is vast, encompassing world premieres of major Australian plays and bold interpretations of international classics. Seminal Australian works include Louis Nowra's *Summer of the Seventeenth Doll*, Andrew Bovell's *When the Rain Stops Falling*, and Katherine Thomson's *Banging Denmark*. Landmark productions of international drama have included Chekhov's *Uncle Vanya* starring Cate Blanchett, *Hedda Gabler*, and an ambitious adaptation of *The Secret River* by Kate Grenville. The company's work has frequently transferred to major festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival of Arts and Ideas in New Haven, Connecticut.

Venues

The company's primary creative hub is The Wharf at Walsh Bay, which houses the Wharf 1 Theatre and Wharf 2 Theatre, along with rehearsal studios and administrative offices. Its mainstage performances are primarily held at the Roslyn Packer Theatre (formerly the Sydney Theatre), a venue with which it has a long-standing partnership. Productions are also staged at the Drama Theatre and Playhouse within the Sydney Opera House complex. For larger-scale works, the company utilizes the Sydney Lyric Theatre, and its new writing development often occurs at smaller venues like the SBW Stables Theatre in partnership with Griffin Theatre Company.

Awards and recognition

The company has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including many Helpmann Awards across categories such as Best Play, Best Direction, and Best Actress. Its production of *The Secret River* won several Helpmann Awards and was acclaimed at the Edinburgh International Festival. Individual artists associated with the company, such as Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, and Judy Davis, have received critical accolades including Olivier Awards and Tony Awards for work developed there. The company itself has been honored with a Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award for its outstanding contribution to Australian theatre.

Education and outreach

The company maintains a robust commitment to community engagement through its STC Ed program, which offers workshops, student matinees, and resources for schools across New South Wales. Its Access Program ensures theatre is available to diverse audiences through initiatives like audio-described and captioned performances. The company also runs the Richard Wherrett Fellowship, supporting emerging directors, and partners with organizations like Bell Shakespeare and Bangarra Dance Theatre on collaborative educational projects. Outreach initiatives extend to regional tours and programs in partnership with the Australia Council for the Arts.

Category:Theatre companies in Sydney Category:1978 establishments in Australia