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Neil Armfield to leave Company B

Press releaes from Belvoir theatre

Neil Armfield will be leaving Company B at the end of 2010 to pursue directing engagements outside the company, and overseas.

The treasured Artistic Director, who was one of the original shareholders responsible for rescuing Belvoir St Theatre from demolition nearly 25 years ago and has been in his current role for 15, will be at the helm throughout his final season in 2010.

“Company B has been my world for many, many years and for me this decision is like no other in its magnitude. I am fortunate to have been offered a number of exciting opportunities overseas and, in the wake of the success of Exit the King in New York, I feel it is the appropriate time to pursue them.

“There is also a huge momentum in the industry at the moment, with an abundance of talented directors soaring through the ranks – it’s time to give someone else a go. Brenna Hobson is part of the next generation of Australia’s arts leaders and I feel extremely confident that I’m leaving the company in good hands,” Neil said.

General Manager Brenna Hobson says, “Neil has a legacy of work that will forever remain in the hearts and minds of audiences in Sydney, across Australia and the world."

"Cloudstreet, Keating!, Gulpilil, Hamlet, The Diary of a Madman, The Alchemist, The Small Poppies, Toy Symphony and Scorched are among them, as is Exit the King which is still playing at the Barrymore Theatre, Broadway, and Shane Warne the Musical, which opened in Sydney last week. These two current productions alone indicate the variety of Neil’s imagination, the depth of his experience and the profusion of his energy.

“Neil’s legacy will not, however, remain with his work alone. Neil has brought to the company a passionate commitment to Indigenous work, a deep sense of togetherness and a wise and inspiring leadership. We will miss him greatly,” Brenna said.

Company B Chairperson, Louise Herron says, “Neil has piloted the company through many, many years of growth and development. His vision, integrity, creative brilliance and impeccable leadership have contributed overwhelmingly to what the company and the theatre are now, and his spirit has been embedded in every work produced by Company B over the last 15 years. As we reach our 25th anniversary in 2010, we thank Neil eternally for his endless contribution and wish him the greatest success for his future endeavours.”

Company B will be looking to appoint a new Artistic Director by the end of this year. The appointee will commence work in 2010 for the 2011 season. It will be an open recruitment process, anticipated to take up to six months.

Neil will continue his close association with the company and is in discussions about possible future projects with Company B. He will be based in Sydney, however his opera work over the next few years will take him to Cardiff, Toronto, Chicago, Boston and Houston.