Matilda Awards | Non-profit organisation

Matilda Awards

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22.01.2022 As you are aware, the Matilda Awards Executive Committee and Judging Panel had planned to run a Matilda Awards event on Tuesday 23 February at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Due to COVID-19 preventing the presentation of many wonderful performances in 2020, it was clearly not possible to have our usual Awards night. We believed, however, that a gathering in February this year acknowledging the challenges of 2020 and the resilience of Queensland theatre makers would be a valuable fo...rum for reconnection. As planning for this event proceeded and challenges arose, we reviewed the initial decision to hold a modest event this year, and it was decided by both the Executive and Judging teams that it would be best to retain funds and resources and to put them towards a bigger and better event in 2022, recognising productions presented across 2020 and 2021. We encourage you as always to nominate your shows for the Matilda Awards, and to look forward with us to a 2022 event that pays homage to the strength, innovation and resilience of Queensland’s theatre industry.

22.01.2022 A compelling new physical theatre work, presented as part of Bleach* Festival, Inside Out stood out in what was a highly competitive field. In this large-scale, site-specific theatre work, Tammy work utilised an excellent ensemble of performers to lead audiences across the grandeur of the Abedian School of Architecture Building at Bond University, exploring what was conceptualised as a ‘cathedral of concrete.’ The ensemble explored the sloping pathways, mezzanines, curved stairwells and sloping sculptural frames, before leading the audience outside to its wooden forest. This was a cinematic-like, yet highly theatrical experience that was enhanced by live vocalists, a beautiful soundscape and an intelligent and unique lighting design.

21.01.2022 A fixture of the Queensland performing arts community, Tanya has demonstrated excellence in her long career as a stage manager, company manager, and project coordinator. While recognising her incredible body of work, Tanya was especially nominated for her tireless efforts in her role as Tour Producer with ArTour in 2019, demonstrating patience, persistence and professionalism in all she does behind the scenes to secure multi-location national tours for Queensland artists.

20.01.2022 This design involved a very high degree of difficulty, bringing to life the sound environment for a B-grade Thriller, viewed from within the safety of your own car. With a soundtrack heard through your car radio, this production excellently captured all the nuance, originality and detail of live-action drive-in theatre. Sound effects and voiceover were incorporated impeccably, bringing to life what begins as one man’s love song to his Volvo but turns deadly as the zombies inflict mayhem and disorder, running riot through the outdoor site.

19.01.2022 COVID-19 Statement from Elise Grieg, Judging Panel chair: Deb and I are touching base during what is a very uncertain time, to let you know the Matilda Awards will work with industry in whatever way we can to continue our work where possible and to support artists and companies. Until further restrictions are in place, we have notified judges to avoid attending performances if they are unwell or immunocompromised. ... At this stage, we would urge producers to ensure they make a video recording of productions. A rudimentary, archival recording is fine. We are aware this is not ideal, but given the situation it could be a practical solution. During this time of social distancing, we are also aware it is still important to connect and support each other in whatever way we can, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Stay safe and well. Warmest regards, Elise Greig (Lead Judge) and Deb Wilks (Chair)

19.01.2022 And that's a wrap for the 2019 Matilda Awards. You can see all the winners from tonight below. Thank you for attendingwe'll see you next year and, in the meantime, in the lobbies of all our beautiful theatres.

19.01.2022 From our wonderful Judging Panel: After a tumultuous year throughout the world and an unprecedented darkness being cast on our industry, a tentative buzz is building as stages are again lit, bums are back on seats and theatre makers are back making theatre. That has to be something to celebrate and that’s just what the Executive Committee of the Matilda Awards is planning. So, put February 23 in your diary to join others in the Queensland theatre community on the Turbine Plat...form at Brisbane Powerhouse for a celebration of survival and rebuilding. The Judging Committee will be there and we look forward to mingling and raising a glass with artists, theatre makers, administrators, educators and theatre lovers as we welcome in a bigger, brighter 2021. Given the large number of shows cancelled during 2020, ( the Judging Committee saw approximately 40% of the shows we saw last year), the Matilda Awards as such will not be held for 2020. Instead, there will be a combined 20/21 awards in February 2022 which will include productions the judges were able to see during 2020. In the meantime, we’ll celebrate the year that was at the Brisbane Powerhouse on February 23, 2021. Program details will be released and bookings opened in late January.

18.01.2022 Amy's intricately detailed portrayal of Ashley in Cinderella was a highlight of the year, with her impeccable comedic timing and raw vulnerability she had us in the palm of her hand from the moment she walked on stage. We were laughing, crying and cringing with awkwardness as we followed her journey through the reimagining of Cinderella. Ultimately, due to Amy’s skill and level of excellence as an actor, we were left with a lasting connection to the character and her world. This achievement speaks volumes to the strength of Amy's performance and the execution of a fresh, contemporary take on an iconic character.

18.01.2022 In Orpheus and Eurydice, Libby McDonnell and the costume team at Opera Queensland created some of the most stunning costumes this year on Queensland’s stages. The bold, graphic styling combined with exquisite cutting created a striking aesthetic that would be very much at home on the best international stages and linger long in the audience’s memory after seeing the production. As Orpheus and Eurydice took their perilous journey home, we were treated to exquisite detail and variation in costuming that served both the singers and the circus performers alike, combining harmoniously to create an exceptional whole.

17.01.2022 The Matilda Awards are seeking applications from people within the Queensland arts sector to join the Matilda Awards Judging Panel for the 2021 calendar year, commencing February 2021. Visit the link below to learn more and submit your application before the 8 February deadline.

16.01.2022 SAVE THE DATE: While we are not able to proceed with an Awards ceremony for 2020, we are pleased to announce that there will be a celebratory event on Tuesday 23 February 2021 at Brisbane Powerhouse (Turbine Platform) to acknowledge the challenges of 2020, and celebrate the resilience of our industry. Read more below.

16.01.2022 It’s not easy to choose the recipient for the category, given the vast number of independent shows viewed throughout the year. With La Silhouette, Sui Ensemble showed that they are not only an ambitious company, but also a company with an abundance of raw talent that enabled them to devise a work of immersive theatre that has a very high degree of difficulty accompanied by a high level of excellence in terms of execution. Skilfully weaving together local queer histories that are both beautiful and sad, both true and imagined, La Silhouette is a unique and truly independent work that envelops its audience whole and refuses to pull any punches from euphoric start to climactic finish.

15.01.2022 A new musical that explores the astonishing true story of a group of women who try to sign up for army service in World War One but are soundly rejected and told to, Go home and sit still. Thankfully, the women have other ideas. Incorporating live music and a narrative that traverses the gamut of the human condition, this is a finely nuanced work that follows a year that changes their lives forever. Dealing with themes of inclusion, freedom, power and commitment, this work uses a combination of compelling storytelling and original musical composition to explore a story of contemporary relevance.

15.01.2022 It is potentially challenging to bring something new to a play that is over seventy years old, but Queensland Theatre’s production of Death of a Salesman managed to bring the Arthur Miller classic into the present without changing what made it a classic in the first place. This production delighted both existing fans as well as educating a new generation about what earns this work a place at the top of the list of the great American plays. As the death-rattle of American opt...imism echoed through the land of the free market, the audience followed Willy Loman as he lost himself in the halcyon days of the past, at the same time opening a window for the audience to reflect on America then and now. A withering commentary on capitalism, this production displayed excellence in every element, bringing an American classic very much into the contemporary conversation. See more

14.01.2022 The Matilda Awards Judging Committee continues to meet and discuss all things theatre. As the current situation unfolds, we are looking at what this might mean for the awards this year. We'll keep you in the loop once we have anything to share, but in the meantime we're staying across the online initiatives that are popping up. We look forward to seeing you in a theatre foyer as soon as we can. Stay well and stay creative. Elise Greig

12.01.2022 If someone had said during the Matilda Awards Ceremony in February, that within a month or so we would all be in lockdown, I don’t think we would have believed them. It has certainly been an unprecedented time, filled with change, uncertainty and lots of adaptability. I know it has felt strange for our intrepid judges to not being attending theatre during this time, but I wanted to let you know that we are avidly following the wonderful initiatives that are popping up onlin...e. We’ll see you in a foyer as soon as we can, but until then please know we’re all in this together. If there’s anything we can do to assist with the various initiatives, please don’t hesitate to ask. Warmest regards Elise Greig Lead Judge Matilda Awards

09.01.2022 Emily Wells is an impressive young woman who is stepping into a leadership space as a First Nations producer across disciplines. Already contributing significantly to the sector and demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm to continue to learn and expand her skills and networks, Emily is ready to embrace the mentoring opportunities offered by the Emerging Female Arts Leader Award.

09.01.2022 Fangirls, a bold new musical, delivered a genuinely fresh, loud and proud female-centric production that brought the experiences of young women front and centre on our stages. First love meets fan culture in this hilarious musical work that combines pop culture, touches of rave and the soul of choir, to cleverly explore the brave new world taking place right now through the online media experiences of young people. Acute, edgy, and very sharp direction and command of each element from Paige Rattray and her team made this production of Fangirls a highlight on stage this year, embraced by female and male audiences alike, and reminding us to never underestimate teenage girls.

08.01.2022 Shake & Stir is one of Australia’s leading contemporary theatre companies, formed in 2006, and creating bold and exciting mainstage and in-school productions that tour Australia and New Zealand. Shake & Stir has built a company that doesn’t just entertain existing audiences with their spectacular main house productions that display a consistent level of excellence, but the company also cultivates a new audience, creating the artists of tomorrow through their in-school programs.

08.01.2022 A celebration of another great year of theatre in Queensland. Check it out.

08.01.2022 Photos from another fantastic night spent celebrating theatre in Queensland. Thank you all for attending!

08.01.2022 Susie’s down-to-earth, unpretentious characterisation was executed effortlessly, and captured the passion, dedication and sheer determination of a woman well ahead of her time. Embodying the individuality and inimitability of Dr. Lilian Cooper, Susie was able to entertain and educate while keeping us eating out of the palm of her hand. From the moment we met this full-rounded character, it was clear we were in excellent hands as we watched Dr. Cooper’s story unfold.

07.01.2022 A physical actor, director and theatre-maker, Gina is being recognised for her compelling talent and strong skill set, that transfer seamlessly to any context. Still in the early stages of her professional career, in her work in both The Tempest and La Silhouette, Gina displayed consistency and a high level of execution in her work, both vocally and physically. We look forward to seeing more from Gina as her career develops.

07.01.2022 This tightly crafted, swiftly moving production needed a flexible, inventive and workable set to facilitate the rapid-fire storytelling. The result was a delightful design that not only met all practical requirements and levels of excellence but, in its seamless execution, also perfectly matched the production’s witty, sharp and clever style. Facilitating the surprising and hilarious twists of the production, the design brought to life Roald Dahl’s beloved stories, serving the text and tight ensemble of 4 actors, in equal measure.

04.01.2022 In a highly competitive field, Richard's performance of Ned Kelly gave us a fresh, multi-faceted and finely crafted portrayal of a character we all 'know'. A high degree of excellence was evident in a performance that was a glorious mix of danger and humour, strength and compassion with the underlying fierce loyalty of the Ned Kelly we all expect. Richard executed the role with confidence, consistency and a high level of skill, as he sat naturally and comfortably in this character, hooking us into his unique world and keeping us hanging on his every word.

03.01.2022 Applications for the Judging Panel are closing THIS MONDAY! We're looking forward to reading all of your applications for the 2021 panel, and to welcoming those selected to the team.

03.01.2022 Thomas Larkin's touching performance of an iconic character, Biff, in Arthur Miller’s modern American classic, presents a unique challenge for an actor. How to breathe life into such a well-known role? Thomas addressed this issue head on and successfully delivered a deeply moving portrayal while speaking to contemporary issues of masculinity, expectations and fulfilment. His physicality and vocal work were both excellent, executed with individuality and assurance. As Biff’s fractured relationship with his father came into sharp relief, the craft and skill of the actor were utilised to full effect, expertly embedded in the character, delivering a performance that was compelling and deeply affecting.

02.01.2022 While the term auteur usually only relates to film, Daniel Evans’ individual style and sure hand ensures the term translates easily to theatre. Daniel gives each of his productions his personal and unique stamp and in the instance of Cinderella, the direction is so distinct and individual that Daniel’s signature was evident from the opening moment. This was tight, compelling storytelling, executed flawlessly and delivering a consistent level of excellence, eliciting beautifully nuanced performances from the actors.