Australia's longest running First Peoples theatre company, ILBIJERRI, has proudly announced the appointment of acclaimed Yorta Yorta/Gunaikurnai playwright and director Andrea James as its new artistic director and co-chief executive officer, following the remarkable 18-year tenure of Dr Rachael Maza AM.
James' appointment is the result of a rigorous national search led by ILBIJERRI's board of directors and supported by REA arts + culture, specialists in executive search for cultural leaders across Australia and Aotearoa/NZ. The new appointment marks a bold new chapter for Australia's longest running First Peoples theatre company.
"I have been privileged to witness the rise of a theatre organisation that came from the ground up, to the staunchly Blak and highly respected company that ILBIJERRI is today," she said.
"Rachael Maza leaves a legacy that has taken ILBIJERRI to the national and international stage with community and cultural integrity at the core.
"Theatre brings people and communities together and in these dangerous times, if ever we've needed a company that celebrates Boldness, Blakness and Brilliance in all its full power, it is now. I am honoured to build on the 'Maza-era' to continue to platform First Peoples stories of national significance with an invigorated focus on our surrounding communities and their thriving waves of spirited Blak talent."
Executive director and co-chief executive officer at ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, Ping Flynn, also expressed how eager he is to see James join the team.
"Seeking our new Artistic Director was as much about looking toward the future as it was honouring the past 18 years of Rachael's trailblazing leadership," she said.
"Andrea James is an exceptionally talented playwright and director, who has already had a tremendous impact on the company with her work on Big Name, No Blankets and Coranderrk: We Will Show The Country.
"Her wealth of theatre-making experience and unwavering commitment to First Peoples storytelling will bring the company into its next chapter with brilliance."
Dr Eugenia Flynn, chair of ILBIJERRI, said the Board of Directors recognises the unique place ILBIJERRI holds within the First Peoples arts and culture sector and the broader theatre landscape, grounded in the Koorie communities of Victoria.
"After a rigorous national search, we are delighted to welcome Andrea James as Artistic Director and co-CEO. Andrea brings exceptional experience, deep cultural grounding and an exciting artistic vision that will carry ILBIJERRI's bold, Blak and brilliant storytelling into an even stronger future," she said.
Dr Maza AM, outgoing artistic director and co-chief executive officer, said she is incredibly proud of everything she has built with ILBIJERRI.
"I'm incredibly proud of everything I've built with ILBIJERRI over nearly two decades as Artistic Director. It was important to me to embark on this next chapter at the right time and the company has never been more solid," she said.
"Andrea James's appointment fills me with excitement for the future of Blak storytelling. Her sharp contemporary voice is rooted in identity, creative sovereignty and truth-telling.
"Andrea's extraordinary talent as a writer, director and producer will honour ILBIJERRI's legacy of bringing bold and impactful Blak stories to the national and international stage. I can't wait to see her carry this vision forward."
Founded in 1991 on Kulin Country, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company emerged from a collective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists determined to tell their own stories, in their own voices, on their own terms. Over more than three decades, ILBIJERRI has become a national and international force, creating a body of work that celebrates the strength, resilience and creativity of First Peoples.
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