02.11.23
Dear Grif-friend,
My name’s Julian and I’m the Literary Associate at Griffin Theatre Company. I work across our Creative Programs—Griffin Studio, Griffin Award and Griffin Ambassadors! This means I have the immense pleasure of getting down to the nitty gritty of playwriting with some of the most exciting and more seasoned theatrical minds I know. Griffin has always held a special place in my writer’s heart, and the ability to see work go from the kernel of an idea to a heart-pumping script to a real 3D play never gets old.
We’ve wrapped up our season for the year and the SBW Stables Theatre’s gone dark—but not silent… what are they doing over there? Something very exciting in fact… the production team is hitting the ground running next year, with the return season of our sold-out 2023 hit Jailbaby. For those who missed out on tickets last time around, the play takes the audience on an urgent, uncomfortable but ultimately necessary ride into the dark heart of the Australian legal system, and as of this week, you can grab a seat—single tickets are now available!
Speaking of playwright who wrote Jailbaby, we’re so thrilled to announce a brand new playwriting award! It’s been incredible to see the international success of her play Prima Facie over the past few years, and even more incredibly, Suzie Miller has generously donated the funds to kick-start the Suzie Miller Award in partnership with our team at Griffin. Dedicated to mid-career playwrights, the Award will recognise a writer’s contribution to the art of playwriting—bringing them inside the company for a two-year residency, providing a full commission and dramaturgical support to write the kind of knotty, political, contemporary work that has the potential to change the face of Australia and even make an impact overseas. If this sounds like you, applications are open until 15 November.
For those at the emerging end of the career spectrum, Griffin Studio has now opened applications for its 2024 cohort. Our creative lab for early career playwrights provides the chance to develop a work within the company and receive mentorship from our Artistic staff. Griffin Studio has created some of my favourite work for the stage and has held space and kick-started the careers of some of Australia’s most kick-butt theatre artists, so check it out here.
If you’re not at the coal-face but would rather bathe in the splendour of Australia’s best writing, subscriptions for the 2024 Season are out now, just waiting for you to claim them! Jam-packed with a bespoke mix of classics, stunning new plays and even a bloody musical—the best way to ensure you get in to see Griffin next year is by buying an annual subscription! Get out the calendar, get your friends together and smash out a plan!
Cheers,
Julian
Julian Larnach
Literary Associate
