Lee Lewis to Depart Queensland Theatre

Queensland Theatre has today announced it is set to farewell Lee Lewis as Artistic Director at the end of this month, following four years of artistic leadership, award-winning creative work and significant progress for the company.

Ms. Lewis took up the leadership role for the state-wide arts company in 2019 and throughout her tenure the company was nominated for 53 Matilda Awards, winning 11 of these including two for Best Main Stage Productions.   

“I’ve made this decision to step down as Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre with a certain sadness, but with the best interests of the company in mind. After carrying the weight of leadership for this extraordinary company for four years, through the hardest time in history, I feel it is best for new energy to inspire artists and audiences alike,” she said.

“I feel great pride that I leave at the beginning of a season that promises a diversity of experience that is thrilling, ambitious and inviting. This year, Queensland Theatre works are touring the country, partnering with organisations large and small to expand capacity, and will reach more young people than ever before, so I know it has the people and purpose it needs to continue to reach great heights in the years to come.”

Ms. Lewis will depart her role at the end of March. Queensland Theatre Executive Director, Criena Gehrke will support the company’s three Associate Artistic Directors for the artistic oversight of the remainder of the 2024 season and continuing development of the 2025 season. The Artistic Associate team is Daniel Evans (Programming), Isaac Drandic (First Nations) and Fiona MacDonald (Education and Youth).

The 2024 season features POTUS, which will see Ms. Lewis return to the Queensland Theatre stage, this time as director. In the meantime, the Board of Queensland Theatre will be recruiting a new Artistic Director.

Queensland Theatre Chair, Elizabeth Jameson AM shared the news today, thanking Ms. Lewis for her contribution and commitment to the company.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to sincerely thank Lee for her leadership, vision and deep commitment to artistic excellence over the past four years. This has been an extraordinary time for the company as we navigated the disruption of COVID, floods and a changing world. Throughout it all, Lee has been steadfast in her belief in the power of theatre to make a difference to the world,” said Jameson.

“Lee is an exceptional director and storyteller. We are grateful for her stewardship of Queensland Theatre. I know the company will join me in thanking Lee for her great contribution these past four years. Thanks to the talent, hard work and resilience of our team, Queensland Theatre also looks forward to the next exciting chapter in its 50+ year history.”