New Artistic Director for Malthouse Theatre

Southbank's iconic Malthouse Theatre has entered a new era with the appointment of renowned theatre director Marion Potts as its new Artistic Director.
Victorian Arts Minister Peter Batchelor welcomed Potts' appointment, who brings with her an impressive background in the Arts.
Minister Batchelor explained âMarion Pottsâ appointment highlights Melbourneâs strength as a leading arts hub and a place that attracts some of the countryâs top talent.
âMs Potts is currently the Associate Artistic Director of the acclaimed theatre company Bell Shakespeare and Artistic Director of its development arm â Mindâs Eye.
âShe will begin work on the 2011 season over the coming months, and will complete the move to Melbourne in January.
âMarion Potts is well known across the country for her energy and enthusiasm â a fantastic fit for the Malthouse.
âShe will bring with her years of expertise as a director, along with her high-level leadership experience gained through serving on the Australia Councilâs Theatre Board, and as an Artistic Director of HotHouse Theatre.�?
Marion was a Resident Director for Sydney Theatre Company between 1995 and 1999. In 2003 she curated the National Playwrights' Conference, and was a chairperson of the international festival for young playwrights, World Interplay.
In 2006 she won the Helpmann Award for Best Direction of a Play for her production of The Goat Or Who Is Sylvia? for the State Theatre Company of South Australia.
âLike the Malthouse, Marion Potts is known for innovation and for challenging audiences with a unique perspective. Iâm excited to see where sheâll take the company and welcome her to Melbourne where sheâll be at the helm of one of the most exciting theatre companies in the country,�? Minister Batchelor added.
Pottsâ appointment comes after the announcement last year that Michael Kantor, who began as Malthouse Chief Executive and Artistic Director in January 2005, will leave the company at the end of 2010.
2009 was a highly successful year for Malthouse Theatre. The company staged 18 productions, including eight original commissions, and enjoyed a record number of sold-out shows. It is now gearing up for the world premiere of Furious Mattress, their first main stage production for the 2010 season.

http://www.malthousetheatre.com.au