30.05.24
Hi Grif-friend,
After years of dipping our toes onto Yugambeh lands and carefully treading sacred waters, we’re finally ready to dive headlong into rehearsals for the long awaited production of Ellen van Neerven’s swim. Not only is Ellen deeply etched into Australia’s literary landscape with their exquisite poetry and deep thinking, we are very honoured to be introducing the world to Ellen’s first staged play. We’ve been limbering up our arms, shaking out our legs and getting out the togs to take the plunge into the liquid world of swim. I know you will be sun-kissed, heart-warmed and a little bit wet (are those tears on your face?) when you meet us poolside for this beautiful and bold new Blak and Queer AF work. Tickets are selling fast so snap yours up today.
In the meantime, vocal cords are vibrating and comic wits are being sharpened as Flat Earthers: The Musical—in partnership with the wonderful peeps at Hayes Theatre Co—prepares itself for performance later in the year. Will it receive a round of applause or are the supremely talented cast—directed by our erudite and brilliant Declan Greene—in danger of dropping off the edge? Buy your tickets now to find out.
Back in the Griffin office, the Literary Department have their eyes glued on some of the newest and hottest playwriting in Australia as we eagerly await the announcement of our next Griffin Award winner. This year’s award—taking place hot on the heels of swim on 28 July—will be complemented by a juicy keynote address by a celebrated playwright who we guarantee will have your minds ticking and tongues wagging. Keep your ear to the ground for announcements.
Speaking of announcements, we were over the moon to be celebrating Nicholas Brown’s win at this year’s NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, taking home the Nick Enright Prize for Playwriting for his crackerjack play Sex Magick. This is the third year in a row that a Griffin production has won this prestigious award with Kirsty Marillier’s Orange Thrower winning in 2022, followed by Dylan Van Den Berg’s Whitefella Yella Tree winning in 2023. This year, we are feeling very chuffed to have been championing such talented and gutsy playwrights who are writing about the big stuff.
Finally, as we edge towards the end of the Financial Year (that’s Christmas for accountants) dip your hands into your pockets and please consider sending your spare dosh our way. This little company with a big heart and big plans for the future can’t make and stage Australian stories—“written about us, by us and for us”—without your leg up.
Until next time,
Andrea
Andrea James
Associate Artistic Director
