In a significant move for the Australian theatre landscape, Brink Productions has proudly announced the appointment of the esteemed theatre maker, Stephen Nicolazzo, as their new Artistic Director. With a rich tapestry of experience spanning theatre, comedy, dance, and contemporary performance, Nicolazzo’s appointment heralds an exciting new chapter for Brink Productions.
Stephen Nicolazzo is no stranger to the theatre community. His recent tenure as Co-Artistic Director of Western Edge and his association with the Melbourne Theatre Company as a member of the Associate Artist Advisory Panel under the Artistic Direction of Anne Louise Sarks have solidified his reputation in the industry. Furthermore, as the founder and Artistic Director of Little Ones Theatre, Nicolazzo has been at the forefront of innovative queer theatre-making.
His accolades speak volumes about his prowess. A Green Room Award winner for Best Direction for “The Happy Prince”, Nicolazzo has also received three other nominations for his works “Psycho Beach Party”, “Dracula”, and “The Moors”. Since 2012, his projects have garnered a whopping 12 Green Room Awards and 41 nominations.
On his appointment, an Nicolazzo shared, “I am truly thrilled to be taking on the role of Artistic Director with Brink. It is a rare thing, to be able to lead with an independent voice and I do not take that privilege and opportunity lightly. It is a bloody gift. A gift that Brink have managed to constantly keep vibrant, challenging, beautiful, and held each time they have made work. And I am just so very moved to be part of that.”
“I want to speak to this diversity of experience whenever I make a work. I want to speak to those unseen. I want to share battle scars with audiences and artists, and present this with fire, fury, and compassion. No holding back. Ever. And of course, always wanting it to entertain and break some hearts. We have the opportunity, as Australian practitioners, to present diverse lived experiences in a variety of gut-bursting theatrical forms. And this is what I hope to bring to Brink’s next chapter of story-telling.”
Brink’s Chair, Trish Hansen, expressed the board’s enthusiasm, noting, “After an extensive and rigorous recruitment process, the Board of Brink are very excited to be appointing Stephen to lead the artistic vision and direction of the company. Building on Chris Drummond’s phenomenal legacy, Stephen’s reputation for masterful, unique and provocative theatre making will appeal to Brink’s insatiably curious, loyal audiences while stimulating and attracting new ones.”
The Minister for the Arts, the Hon Andrea Michaels MP, also extended her congratulations, stating, “Congratulations to Stephen on his appointment as the new Artistic Director of Brink Productions. He brings a wealth of experience to the role and we look forward to working with him to deliver fantastic theatre productions for South Australia.”
Stephen Nicolazzo is set to commence his role in a part-time capacity from December 2023, transitioning to a full-time commitment by April 2024.
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