Earlier this year, Queensland Theatre’s Artistic Director Lee Lewis departed from the start arts organisation, leaving very big shoes to fill by the next person who would fill the role. Shoes that have taken a considerable time to fill, given her departure was originally announced in March 2024. Now in November, it has finally been confirmed that writer, director and producer Daniel Evans, currently filling the role of Associated Artistic Director (Programming), will pivot across into the core leadership position.
Evans was one of the spearheads behind the DOOR 3 initiative to support a new generation of creatives, and has experience as a producer of several Queensland Theatre works, including but not limited to Drizzle Boy, The Almighty Sometimes, and I Want To Know What Love Is. As part of Queensland Theatre’s 2025 season, he serves as director of Pride & Prejudice and A Few Good Men.
Queensland Theatre Chair Dean Gibson noted the personal and professional journey that brought Evans to this leadership position:
Daniel Evans is synonymous with theatre in Queensland – and indeed Queensland Theatre – and this appointment honours a collaborative partnership and artistic legacy that has flourished for over 20 years. Dan’s incredible journey with Queensland Theatre began in 2000 when at just 16, he won our Young Playwrights Award with his witty, sharp debut, Opening A Fuzzwollop’s Frame of Mind. His raw talent was undeniable from the start, and since then, it’s only skyrocketed, captivating audiences and shaping the future of Australian theatre with every new work. In 2014, his remarkable play Oedipus Doesn’t Live Here Anymore won the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, marking his mainstage playwriting debut at Queensland Theatre and reaffirming his unique voice in contemporary theatre. His talent and accomplishments speak for themselves, yet we are certain that the most exciting chapters are still ahead.
Chief Executive Criena Gehrke also praised Evans’ appointment, emphasising its importance for Queensland’s artistic landscape:
Dan’s appointment reflects our unwavering commitment, as a company, to Queensland artists and audiences. Dan’s appointment reflects our unwavering commitment, as a company, to Queensland artists and audiences. He is undoubtedly one of Australia’s best directors; our audiences love his productions. In this leadership role, Dan will drive an even greater impact, shaping a vibrant future for theatre in our state. “In this leadership role, Dan will drive an even greater impact, shaping a vibrant future for theatre in our state.
Evans has expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity:
I decided at age 16 that this was the only place I wanted to be – making art for and with Queenslanders and sharing that art with the world. Theatre has the power to transform lives. I know this because it has continually transformed mine. “The greatest privilege of this role is ensuring that every person who steps into our theatre feels that same spark; that same sense of wonder and possibility.
