While the hunt is still on for Queensland Theatre’s new Artistic Director following the departure of Lee Lewis earlier in the year, the performing arts company has announced a couple of leadership changes which aim to enhance the organisation’s commitment to First Nations storytelling and broader artistic goals.
The first major announcement involves the company’s Associate Artistic Director (First Nations) and creative, Isaac Drandic (introduced in February 2024), taking on the newly created role of Head of First Nations Theatre. Bringing a history of seven years of artistic roles with Queensland Theatre, Drandic expressed excitement about his new role and responsibilities, sharing:
This role is more than just my appointment. It’s a powerful move for us as a company, taking a big step forward for the way we position, elevate and champion First Nations storytelling right across the state. First Nations storytelling and forging sustainable pathways for First Nations artists and creatives to thrive has been integral to our company in recent years, but we acknowledge there is a lot more we can continue to do with our creatives, and the broader community.
Additionally, first nations filmmaker and Chair of Queensland Theatre, Dean Gibson, also added to the announcement:
Establishing a Head of First Nations Theatre recognises our commitment to self-determination, truth telling and amplifying First Nations stories across Queensland. We have a bold vision to be a global leader in First Nations theatre. Isaac is an outstanding cultural leader, a brilliant theatre maker who will bring his vision and passion to the role.
Drandic will be based in Cairns and will work across Queensland and nationally to commission new work, develop First Nations creatives, and engage with communities. His previous work at Queensland Theatre includes significant contributions to productions such as 37, the 2023 season’s At What Cost?, and the upcoming world premiere of Dear Brother, commencing later this month.
The other announcement revolves around Criena Gehrke, the current Executive Director of Queensland Theatre. Keeping Queensland Theatre in alignment with other Arts Statutory Bodies in the state, Gehrke will be appointed as the organisation’s Chief Executive. With regard to this announcement, Gibson also added:
We are also very excited that Criena Gehrke is moving into the newly created role of Chief Executive where she will continue to lead the Company’s vision, bringing our new structure in alignment with other Arts Statutory Bodies with responsibility for the artistic, strategic and operational delivery
As for Queensland Theatre’s new Artistic Director, the hunt continues, with the Queensland Theatre Board engaging with REA Consulting to assist in the recruitment process. An announcement regarding this appointment is expected in the coming weeks.
Queensland Theatre continues powering through with its 2024 Season, even despite the recent cancellation of POTUS due to cast illness (which I hope will have the opportunity to feature in the 2025 season), with Dear Brother to commence at the Billie Brown Theatre later this month, followed by Round the Twist the Musical commencing at the QPAC Playhouse in November. Both of these productions will be world premieres.
Header Video: Queensland Theatre’s 2024 Season Promotional Trailer
