La Boite Theatre Company has announced that the contract of current Artistic Director and CEO Todd MacDonald will conclude at the end of his current term in December 2020.
MacDonald has led the award-winning theatre company for six years and leaves a legacy of commissioning bold new work, championing diverse stories and amplifying critical voices.
La Boite Chair, Julian Myers, thanked MacDonald and commended him on two successful three-year terms at the helm. “Todd has implemented fundamental change which has seen La Boite grow in relevance and social and cultural alignment,” he said.
“The contribution and impact that La Boite makes in the community are critically important and much of this legacy is due to Todd’s vision and drive throughout his stewardship.”
Myers said La Boite’s new artistic leadership would be considered further in 2021. “The impact of COVID-19 on the arts community is enormous and has generated unprecedented uncertainty for the remainder of 2020 and 2021,” said Myers.
“Nevertheless, La Boite continues to be agile and resilient. We are committed to programming a powerful and diverse season next year and we are investigating numerous productions, formats and programming options for 2021. There is still a high level of uncertainty due to COVID-19 impacts, however, we look forward to welcoming audiences back to La Boite in 2021.”
Myers said La Boite’s revised artistic leadership model would be responsive to the industry-wide impacts and considered at the appropriate time.
“In the meantime, La Boite’s wealth of artistic and organisational leadership and resources, led by Executive Director Zohar Spatz, will ensure that La Boite continues as a leader in the local and national arts community,” said Mr Myers.
MacDonald premiered several standout productions for the company during his tenure including Future D. Fidel’s multi-award-winning Prize Fighter, Michelle Law’s breakthrough hit Single Asian Female and powerful verbatim theatre piece The Neighbourhood.
MacDonald said it was a privilege to lead Australia’s oldest continuously-running theatre company and to herald untold stories. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity not only to contribute as an actor and director but also to make space for critical voices and diverse stories,” he said.
“With a new strategic plan that places diversity at its core, I’m excited to see La Boite’s continued journey towards its 100th anniversary under new artistic leadership,” said Mr MacDonald.
For more information about La Boite Theatre Company, visit: www.laboite.com.au fo details.
Image: Todd MacDonald – courtesy of La Boite Theatre Company