Cultural cringe.

It’s a big, hairy, slobbering monster which we thought we slayed in the 80s. But now it raises it hideous head, rolls its eyes and dribbles all over the local artists and their sense of worth, their sense of home, their sense of identity. We have an artistic and cultural drain happening in theatre – as more an more locals are overlooked for internationals.

Sad but true. The people who have the power and money to change this low-self esteem problem we have, are harming, not helping cultural growth. There is less and less investment of local artists, writers, administrators and seem to hire in the name of “globalisation” or “international connection/accolades.”

One of the obvious examples of this is Playwriting Australia’s upcoming National Play Festival – which is branded as “Departures.”

Anyway, Connie, I’m sure there will be a job somewhere/somehow that will be worthy of your local knowledge and connections. And it’s ok to be gripey as long as it propels you into positive action. We’ve all been there.

Thanks again and Happy new year.

Indeed, Mr Jackson is prolific – and his energy and focus is inspiring – but as we’ve both admitted “you can’t see it all.” And in that one thought the idea of curated theatre-going emerges. Like Patrice Pavis states about the notation of theatrical work – the act of notation is about choices. There is a lot of work being generated at the moment in Sydney – and I’ll always let you know when there is an indie show that has blown me away – Alvin was truly earth shakingly beautiful – and the artist, Tim Watts appeared to be a genuinely lovely person.

And James, I hope your 2012 is happy, healthy, calm and you surround yourself with all of us who admire you and appreciate all you offer online, in foyers, at your kitchen table. Thank you for being there for me amidst the weirdness of 2011.

At STC the Production Manager, Casting Director, Literary Manager, Company Manager, Executive Assistant, Associate Producer, Voice Coach, Marketing Manager, Publicist, Media Relations Manager, Sponsorship Executive and their Production Managers (and perhaps others I’ve missed) are all recent arrivals/recruited from the UK.
A bit like the artistic side maybe…they don’t trust the locals to do the job?

And yes I did apply for one of these jobs so I am a bit gripey!
But maybe this is another factor in a bigger debate?

Connie

All the very best Augusta with both life and work adventures in 2012. You biggest achievements: you have become an indispensable part of the Sydney theatre landscape – and remain much loved at the same time.