It was a tough choice this year, especially in writing and performance. The short lists were far too long to publish and many wonderful moments didn't make the finals. But it comes down to my strict criteria: How much did I love it?
With a few exceptions, most of the Loves have already been raved about by the 32 other creators. I smiled a lot every time one was mentioned. It's pretty great to know that these artists really are reaching the hearts of their audiences and sharing something memorable.
The Loves still don't have a statuette or show bag for the nominees, but maybe one day... (In the meantime, if anyone wants to design a certificate, I'm sure the winners would print it and put it on their fridge until it disappears under takeaway menus.)
You can also see these on AussieTheatre.com with a different discussion.
Outstanding Artists 2012
WRITING
and
Robert Reid: On the production of monsters, Melbourne Theatre Companyand
Zoey Dawson: The unspoken word is "Joe", MKA, La Mama
Eugyeene Teh: Tuesday, MKA; sex.violence.blood.gore, MKA; Triangle, MKA;
The unspoken word is "Joe", MKA
and
Anna Tregloan and Paul Jackson: Wild Surmise, Malthouse Theatre
sex.violence.blood.gore Photo by Sarah Walker
PERFORMANCE
Dana Miltins: Orlando, The Rabble, Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne Festival
(and Golden Dragon, MTC)
Special mention
Nilaja Sun: No Child, Theatre Works, Brisbane Festival, Melbourne Festival
and
Brigid Gallacher: The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
Dana Miltins in Orlando. Photo by Sarah Walker
DIRECTION
Suzanne Chaundy: Beyond the Neck: A Quartet on Loss and Violence, Red Stitch
and
Stephen Nicolazzo: sex.violence.blood.gore, MKA
Beyond the Neck: A Quartet on Loss and Violence
EVERYTHING THEY DO ROCKS
Daniel Clarke
The Creative Producer of Theatre Works (to be shared with everyone at Theatre Works) for making Theatre Works a venue that we want to go to, for creating a community of artistic experimentation and discussion, and for increasing audiences by an amazing 71%. I missed too many shows at Theatre Works this year, but that'll change in 2013.
Produced/Co-Produced by Theatre Works
No Child
Margaret Fulton: Queen of the Dessert
This is a door
Hello, my name is
The Year of Magical Wanking
Negative Energy
Mother/Son
Dan also directed Golden Dragon, Melbourne Theatre Company
and
Declan Greene
Summertime in the Garden of Eden, Sisters Grimm
The unspoken word is "Joe", MKA, La Mama
Pompeii L.A.,Malthouse Theatre
Pompeii L.A. Photo by Pia Johnson
Outstanding Productions 2012
CABARET
Candy B, Australian Booty: The Fatty-Boom-Boom Remix
Candy B
COMMERCIAL SHOW
Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, MTC presents the Belvoir production
MUSICAL
Margaret Fulton: Queen of the Dessert, Present Tense,Theatre Works
Special mention
Contact!, Arts Centre Melbourne
COMEDY
Zombatland, Arts House, The Suitcase Royale
Special mention
The Goodbye Guy, Justin Hamilton
Zombatland
MUSIC
Bang on a Can All-Stars, Melbourne Recital Centre
Bang on a Can All-stars
DANCE
Weather, Lucy Guerin Inc, Melbourne Festival
CIRCUS
From the ground up, Circus Oz
BEST OF THE BEST
The Wild Duck, Malthouse presents a Belvoir production
Summertime in the Garden of Eden, Sisters Grimm
Summertime in the Garden of Eden
Lipsynch, Arts Centre Melbourne, Ex Machnia, Théâtre Sans Frontières100% Melbourne, Rimini Protokoll & The City of Melbourne
