Ralph Myers has announced his intention to step down as Artistic Director of Belvoir at the end of the 2015 Season after five years at the helm.
“I’ve loved being the Artistic Director of Belvoir,” Myers said. “It is without question the finest theatre company in the country, and it’s been a pleasure and a thrill to lead a team that consistently produces bold and original works.”
“However, I don’t believe artistic directorships should be jobs for life. Change of leadership is essential for maintaining artistic vitality and original vision. I’ve been offered a number of exciting projects overseas, and I’m also itching to get back to work as a set designer.”
Prior to his appointment Myers was a freelance set and costume designer and was a seen as an unusual appointment. His achievements as Artistic Director have exceeded expectations. He has brought great vision and renewed energy to the company. Audience response to Myers’ vision has been enthusiastic. Ticket sales have grown year on year and subscriber numbers are at record highs.
Myers has implemented significant change during his tenure. He refocused the company’s repertoire on new Australian plays and reinvented classics, shunning new international plays in favour of local work. This new repertoire achieved quick success. Notable among many award-winning shows during Myers’ term were The Wild Duck, Medea, Peter Pan, Death of a Salesman and Neighbourhood Watch.
Myers has also been pivotal in growing new audiences, both nationally and overseas. Notable international tours include The Wild Duck, Thyestes and Peter Pan. Audiences around Australia have been treated to tours of Neighbourhood Watch, Food, I’m Your Man, The Government Inspector, Private Lives, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll and many more productions.
“Ralph Myers joined Belvoir at a time of transition and generational change for the company,” said Andrew Cameron, Belvoir Chair. “With great skill, flair and leadership he has built on Belvoir’s legacy with a distinctive personal vision of Australian theatre-making.”
“Ralph has shown great leadership to the company and built a culture and creative team that is producing some of the best and most exciting work in Belvoir’s history. It is a tremendous achievement. I am obviously saddened that Ralph will be leaving Belvoir as I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him but I wish him well for the future. We will be watching his career and future endeavours with great interest.”
The Board of Belvoir will now commence the search for a new Artistic Director. Expressions of Interest will open in the coming weeks and it is anticipated that the new Artistic Director will be announced in late 2014 or early 2015, in time to program the 2016 Season.
Myers will remain with the company and retain artistic responsibility until the end of 2015. For more information, visit: www.belvoir.com.au for details.
Image: Ralph Myers – photo by Patrick Boland