Who is Anne-Louise Sarks?
I’m the CEO and Artistic Director of Melbourne Theatre Company. I’m 44 years old (about to turn 45 in January). I’m a mum. I’m a director. I’m a fiercely loyal friend. Mostly I can be very silly and like to have a laugh.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’m very lucky in that I am very busy in my job, I get to talk to lots of incredible artists, see a lot of work and do a lot of planning about theatre. But I would spend more time reading! More dreaming and reading space. And I always want a little bit more time in the rehearsal room – that is my favourite place in the world.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who chooses to be an artist in Australia. Everyone who I work with daily is championing storytelling. The arts are so vital in this country and are so cherished by so many people. It is still such a brave choice to make that your career and to fight for the kind of centrality and value of the arts. It’s hard. It’s a tough time to be an artist. It’s a tough time for everyone, but it’s a tough time to be an artist.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
You know, I’m trying to do it. I’m really trying to do it because I believe in the power of theatre to change. We understand other people’s lived experiences – theatre is the art of empathy. I believe that going to the theatre, sitting with strangers and people you love, and learning more about other people’s lives, helps us to be part of a community and better understand ourselves and each other. I’m very lucky that I get to sort of make that possible for people.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My family – my partner and my son and I – we just love to go to the beach. We love to get away, very low-key, nothing fancy, and just kind of go and hang at the beach.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Obviously… I would take them to Melbourne Theatre Company to see a show?! I had some friends come recently to see Rebecca and then we went and had dinner at Julie, which was wonderful. Melbourne has so many amazing bars and restaurants, so much culture.
What are you currently reading?
The Mushroom Tapes. Like everyone else in the world! By the incredibly talented Chloe Hooper, Sarah Krasnostein and Helen Garner.
What are you currently listening to?
CMAT. Who is coming to Melbourne early next year! She released EURO-COUNTRY earlier this year and I have been listening to that album a lot. Oh, and West End Girl from Lily Allen, of course.
Happiness is?
When I open the front door and my son runs down the hallway to me when I get home. Best feeling in the world.
What does the future hold for you?
Christmas, back in Sydney, where I grew up. More time with my family. More making of theatre. We’ve got 12 shows in 2026 that I’m very proud of. So, a very busy year ahead for Melbourne Theatre Company.
Anne-Louise is the CEO and Artistic Director of Melbourne Theatre Company – whose 2026 season – a program of 12 captivating productions – opens with the encore season of the critically acclaimed musical, My Brilliant Career, at the Southbank Theatre in January. For more information, visit: www.mtc.com.au for details.
Image: Anne-Louise Sarks – photo by Charlie Kinross