The arts scene in Brisbane is very much a game of musical chairs â with the news announced that La Boite Theatreâs artistic director and CEO Courtney Stewart will conclude her four-year tenure next month.
Which is a shame, I think, because she was doing an excellent job. But so it goes in the arts. Just as you get used to someone, they are gone.
But where is she going? Good question, but we will have to get back to you on that. I know she loves acting and directing, so Iâm sure weâll hear about new projects from her soon.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of Stewartâs programming to enjoy in the coming months.
Alinta McGradyâs play Eat Slay Zombie is wrapping up this week and will be followed by Kathryn Marquetâs Second Coming in August (great that we now know when the Second Coming will happen). And for this yearâs Brisbane Festival, she gives us Koreaboo, starring Heather Jeong and Michelle Lim Davidson.
Stewartâs departure marks the close of a defining chapter for the company as La Boite moves beyond its centenary and begins shaping the next era of its artistic life.
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Since 2022, Stewart has led La Boite through a period of significant artistic and organisational momentum. Under her leadership, the company secured entry into the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework, delivered its landmark centenary year, premiered its first international co-production, and launched its inaugural Giving Day, deepening philanthropic engagement.
Her time at La Boite has been marked by bold programming and strengthened national and international relationships, including collaborations with Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir St Theatre, National Theatre of Parramatta, Griffin Theatre Company and Singapore Repertory Theatre.
Stewart says leading La Boite has been the highlight of her career.
âLa Boite is a truly exceptional company, one with a remarkably resilient history and an equally exciting future filled with possibility,â she says. âYou can feel the blood, sweat and tears of every human being who has given their time to the company. Always in the pursuit of leading culture and shaping the industry. I treasure every artist, every collaborator and every audience member I have met and worked with during my time.
âFew companies in Australia carry the legacy of La Boite. For more than 100 years it has been a home for artists to stretch into every corner of their practice, to take risks they normally wouldnât. These artists have gone on to shape cultural organisations and raise new audiences across the country.
âI developed my love and passion for new work at La Boite as an actor, back in 2017, and it has been the most meaningful work of my life to lead the company into its second century as artistic director.
âI am so incredibly proud of what weâve achieved together and I look forward to seeing the company continue to evolve and thrive in 2027 and beyond.â
âCourtney has led La Boite with extraordinary energy and integrity at one of the most important moments in our historyâ
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La Boite chair Adam Brunes says Stewartâs impact on the company is profound.
âCourtney has led La Boite with extraordinary energy and integrity at one of the most important moments in our history,â Brunes says. âShe has championed artists, expanded what La Boite can be and used her leadership in service of a more inclusive and generous industry.
âHer time at La Boite has been defined not only by artistic excellence, but by kindness, care and an unwavering commitment to others. It has been a joy and a privilege to work alongside her.â
Brunes said the board was advised of Stewartâs decision in January and has since been working to ensure continuity of leadership and a considered transition.
âWe are pleased to appoint current general manager Ian Prowse as Interim CEO, providing strong and steady leadership for the company through this next phase,â he says. âThe appointment of La Boiteâs next artistic director is one of the most important decisions we will make for the companyâs future and requires careful consideration about the kind of artistic leadership that will shape the next 100 years.
âTo support this, we have convened an artistic advisory panel to curate La Boiteâs 2027 season, ensuring continuity of artistic ambition while creating space for a thorough national recruitment process.â
The artistic advisory panel comprises prominent Australian theatre leaders David Berthold (a former artistic director of La Boite), Sue Donnelly and Aunty Roxanne McDonald, who collectively bring decades of experience across artistic direction, producing, new work development and cultural leadership, alongside an enduring connection to La Boite.
âThis panel reflects the deep regard held for La Boite across the industry and the generosity of artists and leaders willing to step forward,â Brunes says.
âAs we look to the future, it is essential that we take the time to appoint the right artistic director to lead the company into its next exciting chapter. With Ianâs stewardship and the guidance of this extraordinary panel, we are confident in both the strength of the 2027 season ahead and the boldness, ambition and care that will shape what comes next.â
La Boiteâs 2027 season will be announced later this year.
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