Amylia Harris appointed Co-Artistic Director of Darlinghurst Theatre Company
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Amylia Harris to the position of Co-Artistic Director. This announcement had been planned for March, but was halted by government closures. This celebratory moment is a key step in Darlinghurst Theatre’s plans to emerge from lockdown.
From the outset we knew Amylia was a powerhouse, a deep thinker, a champion of artists and their visions. Since joining the company she has made an indelible impact on our work, our artists and our company. The board are thrilled to see Amylia step up as Co-Artistic Director alongside our founder and leader of 27 years Glenn Terry.
Glenn Terry said, “I’m delighted Amylia has accepted the role of Co-Artistic Director. She is a wonderful collaborator and leader, and will steward our company through this complex and challenging time with her signature vibrancy and deep care for artists”.
Amylia joined Darlinghurst Theatre Company in October 2015. Her career spans television and stage, most recently as the company’s Creative Producer. Working alongside CEO and Co-Artistic Director, Glenn Terry, she has diversified the work of the company, with festivals, cabarets, playwriting programs and community partnerships.
Amylia was also responsible for overseeing the programming of the 2019 and 2020 seasons – the most successful to date – and producing the record-breaking and award-winning production of Once.
We wish Amylia every success in this exciting new step.
— Chair of the DTC Board, Vicki Middleton.
Statement from Amylia Harris:
It is my absolute honour and privilege to take a seat at the small but formidable table of female Artistic Directors in this country. I’m excited to throw open the doors to bold, challenging and representational programming. To hand the microphone to new voices and big ideas. To champion the stories and careers of women on and off the stage and challenge the status quo.
I’m acutely aware of both the power and the limitations of the lens through which I work and create – it is my commitment to continue to ask questions, listen sincerely, work collaboratively and be loud, daring and joyous.
I started penning this statement at a very different time. Then COVID arrived and pulled the rug out from under our industry. I mourn a year of dark theatres and lost stories. However, it also provides a rare and precious opportunity to pause, reflect and rebuild. We will be focusing on making our processes better for artists and improving the audience experience. Importantly, we are analysing our role in the social and theatre ecology, looking at how we can better serve both.
It has never been more apparent to me that at the very heart of theatre is our need to gather and commune. Theatre is a powerful marriage of shared place, time and story that cannot be fully experienced via screen. The power of technology to connect is brilliant, but as theatre makers some of us are feeling pressure to engage with a medium we did not choose. So I say it’s okay to not feel ‘inspired’ to create or produce right now. Let’s instead give ourselves permission to plan. To dream. To rebuild the foundations and replenish our souls so we may burst forth into a post-pandemic world with a renewed sense of courage, sensitivity and fortitude.
While our beloved 2020 season is still postponed, know that we are listening, watching and making plans for a vibrant future. We’re currently working on a post-COVID reactivation of our foyer and restaurant space, restoring safe opportunities for connection and artistry. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming cabaret series as we program soulful winter evenings of food, story and song.
And when the time is right, the lights will come back up on A Chorus Line and our company of 20 phenomenal dancers will return to the stage of the Eternity. I think of that moment often, I’m going to wear a bloody ball gown. I can’t wait to be with you in a theatre foyer again soon.
Until then, stay safe.
Amylia Harris