Theatre Guild Patron and Vice-Chancellor Professor James A McWha, welcomed members of the Theatre Guild community at the April gathering to the magnificent Basten Room of the Mitchell Building for the official launch of the University of Adelaide Theatre Guild’s 2011 Season and to show his strong support for the continuing success of the Guild.

During the launch, Mr Edwin Kemp Attrill was announced as the recipient of the inaugural University of Adelaide Theatre Guild Artistic Director Grant. Worth $30,000, the grant was established to provide an emerging director with a platform to continue their development towards a professional career while influencing the artistic direction and future success of the Theatre Guild. Edwin is a young theatre director and producer. He was the founder and former Artistic Director of ActNow Theatre and has worked for companies such as Brink Productions, Vitalstatistix, Urban Myth and No Strings Attached.

Mr Kemp Attrill said

“It’s a privilege be the Artistic Director of a company with such a strong history and it’s a great opportunity to develop my arts practice. The Guild is an exciting melting pot for all artists – young and old, emerging and established and I’m looking forward to working with them all, and engaging with the University community."

As a previous recipient of a Theatre Guild Director-in-Residence Grant, Chris Drummond, Artistic Director of Brink Productions, spoke of the value and unique opportunity for a young and emerging director to receive such support in developing their career.

Following the success of The Malcontent playreading held in February, the Guild’s mainstage season will commence on May 14 with Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, to be directed by John Graham. This will be followed by an 11 performance season of Macbeth in August, directed by Michael Eustice and starring Brant Eustice and Amanda Shillabeer and during October; 11 performances of Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy The Pillowman, to be directed by Megan Dansie with the final production for 2011 being Last Time Out, a continuation of the Guild’s work with University of Adelaide student writers, interpreting their work for the stage. This will have a two night season at the end of November and will be exclusively written, directed, designed, performed and crewed by students.

Chair Dr Ben McCann commented,

“We are excited about our 2011 season, which showcases some wonderful plays. I’m delighted too that our long-standing plan to revitalise the Artistic Director position has been realised. Edwin is a passionate and clear-sighted emerging talent and we look forward to working with him.”

For further information about the 2011 Season contact For further information please contact Melanie Hibberd or Edwin Kemp Attrill.