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ILBIJERRI Theatre Company Welcomes New Artistic Director and co-CEO, Andrea James
A bold new chapter for Australia’s longest running First Peoples theatre company
Australia’s longest running First Peoples theatre company, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company proudly announces the appointment of acclaimed Yorta Yorta and Gunaikurnai playwright and director Andrea James as its new Artistic Director and co-CEO, following the remarkable 18-year tenure of Dr Rachael Maza AM.
Andrea’s appointment is the result of a rigorous national search led by ILBIJERRI’s Board of Directors and supported by REA. Arts + Culture, specialists in executive search for cultural leaders across Australia and Aotearoa/NZ, bringing a bold new chapter for Australia’s longest running First Peoples theatre company.
Andrea James said, “I have been privileged to witness the rise of a theatre organisation that came from the ground up, to the staunchly Blak and highly respected company that ILBIJERRI is today. Rachael Maza leaves a legacy that has taken ILBIJERRI to the national and international stage with community and cultural integrity at the core.
“Theatre brings people and communities together and in these dangerous times, if ever we’ve needed a company that celebrates Boldness, Blakness and Brilliance in all its full power, it is now.
“I am honoured to build on the ‘Maza-era’ to continue to platform First Peoples stories of national significance with an invigorated focus on our surrounding communities and their thriving waves of spirited Blak talent."
About Andrea James
Andrea James is a Yorta Yorta and Gunaikurnai woman and graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts. A celebrated playwright, director and producer, Andrea creates work that reflects her identity and shares historical and contemporary Aboriginal experiences in a striking contemporary theatrical language.
Her acclaimed works include Yanagai! Yanagai!, Coranderrk: We Will Show The Country, Sunshine Super Girl, Winyanboga Yurringa and Big Name, No Blankets. Her productions have toured nationally and internationally, and she has directed and written for companies including Melbourne Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre and Urban Theatre Projects.
Andrea’s accolades include the Mona Brand Award for women stage and screen writers (2021) and a National Theatre Award (2024).
Dr Rachael Maza AM, outgoing Artistic Director and co-CEO, said, “I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve built with ILBIJERRI over nearly two decades as Artistic Director. It was important to me to embark on this next chapter at the right time and the company has never been more solid.
“Andrea James’s appointment fills me with excitement for the future of Blak storytelling. Her sharp contemporary voice is rooted in identity, creative sovereignty and truth-telling.
"Andrea’s extraordinary talent as a writer, director and producer will honour ILBIJERRI’s legacy of bringing bold and impactful Blak stories to the national and international stage. I can’t wait to see her carry this vision forward.”
Ping Flynn, Executive Director and co-CEO, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company said, “Seeking our new Artistic Director was as much about looking toward the future as it was honouring the past 18 years of Rachael’s trailblazing leadership.
"Andrea James is an exceptionally talented playwright and director, who has already had a tremendous impact on the company with her work on Big Name, No Blankets and Coranderrk: We Will Show The Country.
“Her wealth of theatre-making experience and unwavering commitment to First Peoples storytelling will bring the company into its next chapter with brilliance.”
For more information please contact:
Media Enquiries
Erin Jameson, Publicist
[email protected]
General Enquiries
Sabina McKenna,
Marketing Manager, ILBIJERRI
[email protected]
