21.08.25
Dear Grif-friend,
Last week, we held our annual staff ‘Reading Day’ where we traditionally migrate somewhere warm and cosy, spending the day reading the plays of the up-and-coming season. Somehow poignantly, we were at Hustle Studios this year. Even though this is typically the busiest time of year for the Griffs, it was a rare chance to pause our daily hustle, take time to do what we love and get excited about the year to come.
Because, ’tis the season! It’s not the festive season (though that will be upon us in no time) and not the typical wet season (though you’d be forgiven for thinking so), but the season of Season Launches all around Australia.
The Griffin office is buzzing with anticipation, excitement and a little bit of hysteria as we work around the clock—because we’re fewer than three weeks away from announcing our 2026 Season.
Our days are filled to the brim with decision-making—what photos to use for the season brochure, what three words best describe each new play, what the colour palette for the foyer in the new theatre should be, what is the best brand of umbrella to own is…
There is so much to look forward to and I can’t give away any secrets—you’ll have to wait until Monday 8 September to see what we have in store.
And yet, amid all this noise and momentum, I’ve been thinking a lot about listening. I am one of those unusual people who catches the bus each day without wearing headphones or my eyes glued to my phone—I like staying attuned to my surroundings.
Along with like-minded people these past few weekends, the intrepid Nathan Harrison hosted some very special birdwatching group walks in Centennial Park. It was such a beautiful opportunity to slow down and tune into what is around and above us.
With its opening performance this week, Birdsong of Tomorrow by Nathan Harrison encourages us all to come in despite the rain, take a breath from the hustle and spend a moment to listen to the world around us. We’re back again, couch-surfing with our friends, at the Old Fitz Theatre—and we’re sure glad they’ve got an open fireplace.
And to talk about the hustle once more, our sell-out hit in 2022, Whitefella Yella Tree by Dylan Van Den Berg, goes back into rehearsal next week, before taking to the stage in Wharf 1 Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company. We’re over the moon to revisit this heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of first love, and to welcome both old and new audiences in Sydney. Later this year, we’re thrilled to share the story with our friends in Brisbane and Melbourne. Pertame and Tiwi actor Joseph Althouse (Green Park) and Barrd, Noongar, Yamatji, Bunuba and Ngadju actor Danny Howard (Belvoir St Theatre’s Jacky) will take to the stage—we can’t wait for you to sit under the lemon tree with us.
Wishing dry socks to you all,
Khym x
Khym Scott
General Manager
