A Note From Julieanne, 25 June
25.06.26
Hello dear Griff-friend. It’s JC here, Griffin’s Executive Director and it’s a joy to write the introduction to our soon-to-be-monthly eNewsletter and chat to you about all things Griffin.
We’ve been experiencing a rare, parallel reality this past month. Two sold-out productions at the same time—SAVIOR by Happy Feraren and Prima Facie by Suzie Miller—one playing to a full house of 84 people in the Downstairs Theatre at Belvoir, and one playing to a full house of 896 at the Roslyn Packer Theatre. It’s felt wild and a bit surreal, but also tells the story of Griffin at its core—small beginnings, big impact.
SAVIOR and Prima Facie are bold and brave works that speak to systems that are broken, that do not serve the people they are supposed to be helping. Characters like Tessa and Jobert say something we know to be true. In that moment we are all empathy and it is powerful. Powerful enough to change legal systems on the other side of the world. Powerful enough to change the demographics of our audiences for an entire season because of whose story we are telling.
I wrote that we had two productions on at the same time, but in truth we’ve had three. If you imagine the rebuilding the Stables Theatre is its own show—we’re done with rehearsals and are now in production week! Two weeks ago we poured the concrete of the theatre floor, the first of the pre-cast walls are in place, and the scaffolding has now risen above our offices next door. It’s a big, bold future ahead for a small company and we share your anticipation and excitement with what we have planned for 2027.
This past Sunday, 21 June, was the winter solstice. As the sun peeped over my back fence shortly before 7am, I sat at my kitchen table wrapping trinkets I’ve been collecting from recent trips to send to my niece in London. She moved there 6 months ago and I wanted to send a care package—little things to remind her of home, of how much she is loved. It was something my Mum did for me when I was 21 and had moved to Jakarta to take up my first job as a journalist, fresh out of uni.
Which brings me to end of financial year. With all my heart, a BIG thank you for your support of Griffin and Australian playwriting. Whether it’s coming to a show, rounding up your ticket price, or a donation (big or small!)—these are your care packages to Griffin and to Australian stories that matter. Just as small trinkets and my Mum’s homemade biscuits can make all the difference, your support helps us to champion some of the best playwrights in Australia. You allow us to remain steadfast in our commitment to truth-telling, to courageous moments we share in the theatre together. And yes, our new theatre might feel far away—but it’s closer than you think.
And if you have not made a donation to Griffin but would like to (and please, only if you can) our fabulous team are happy to take your call, or email or give online. We promise to hold that gift with all the love and care with which it’s been given, in the belief that theatre can change lives.
The days will soon stretch out into spring and then summer, but for now – stay warm in the Afterglow of a great first half of the year. And I hope to see you at a show or in a foyer soon!
BIG love,
JC xxx
