Daniel Evans takes the helm at Queensland Theatre
Queensland Theatre’s recent troubles will all be forgotten with the news that one-time theatre wunderkind Daniel Evans, now a highly respected playwright and director, has been appointed as its new artistic director.
Sometimes arts companies get it right. Celebrated director, theatre-maker and award-winning playwright Daniel Evans has been announced as Queensland Theatre’s new artistic director.
It’s really the perfect appointment and the theatre world will be celebrating this. If we have the homegrown talent to fill such an important role, why not use it?
The announcement couldn’t be more welcome after a turbulent period at Queensland Theatre following the sudden departure of former artistic director Lee Lewis and the recent cancellation of the entire season of a play due to a cast member’s injury and other issues. The company needed good news and this is it.
Queensland Theatre chair Dean Gibson says the appointment completes an extraordinary full circle journey for Evans, whose passion for theatre first sparked at Queensland Theatre 25 years ago.
“Daniel Evans is synonymous with theatre in Queensland – and indeed Queensland Theatre – and this appointment honours a collaborative partnership and artistic legacy that has flourished for over 20 years,” Gibson says. “Dan’s incredible journey with Queensland Theatre began in 2000 when at just 16 he won our Young Playwrights Award with his witty, sharp debut, Opening a Fuzzwollop’s Frame of Mind.
You might like
“His raw talent was undeniable from the start and, since then, it’s only skyrocketed, captivating audiences and shaping the future of Australian theatre with every new work. In 2014, his remarkable play Oedipus Doesn’t Live Here Anymore won the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, marking his mainstage playwriting debut at Queensland Theatre and reaffirming his unique voice in contemporary theatre. His talent and accomplishments speak for themselves, yet we are certain that the most exciting chapters are still ahead.”
He was a wunderkind. Not sure what the adult version of that is, but Evans certainly has the right stuff. As associate artistic director and associate artist at Queensland Theatre, Evans has been the driving force behind many of the company’s standout works, including Medea, Vietgone, Drizzle Boy and The Almighty Sometimes, earning back-to-back Best Production and Best Director Matilda Awards in 2023 and 2024.
Driven by his passion for nurturing independent theatre-makers, Evans spearheaded the creation of Queensland Theatre’s successful Door 3 program, designed to offer local creatives the critical space, resources and mentorship needed to bring their visionary projects to life.
In a career spanning 20 years, Evans has collaborated with many of Queensland’s leading companies and organisations, including La Boite Theatre, Brisbane Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse, MELT Festival, Digi Youth Arts, QMF, Metro Arts and The Good Room, which he co-founded with actor Amy Ingram. He was also awarded as one of InDaily Queensland and The Weekend Edition’s 40 Under 40 winners in 2024.
Subscribe for updates
Queensland Theatre CEO Criena Gehrke described Evans’ appointment as a defining moment for both the company and the wider Queensland arts sector.
“Dan’s appointment reflects our unwavering commitment, as a company, to Queensland artists and audiences,” Gehrke said. “As associate artistic director, Dan has championed programs that have increased our support for independent theatre-makers and new Queensland stories. And he is undoubtedly one of Australia’s best director. Our audiences love his productions.
“In this leadership role, Dan will drive an even greater impact, shaping a vibrant future for theatre in our state.”
Evans described taking on the artistic director role as “a profound honour and incredible privilege”.
“I decided at aged 16 that this was the only place I wanted to be – making art for and with Queenslanders and sharing that art with the world,” Evans says. “Theatre has the power to transform lives. I know this because it has continually transformed mine. The greatest privilege of this role is ensuring that every person who steps into our theatre feels that same spark – that same sense of wonder and possibility.”
Some people just say this stuff. Evans means it.
John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education and the Arts, says Evans’ appointment signposted an exciting new chapter for the state’s theatre company.
“It is fantastic to see a Queenslander in this key leadership role,” Langbroek says. “I know Dan will forge an exciting creative future for the company, building new audiences and sharing compelling and important new work and platforms for emerging talent.”
Although tight-lipped on his plans for 2026 and beyond, Evans said his vision was for “a truly Queensland Theatre”.
Evans will commence in the role immediately and will co-lead Queensland Theatre alongside CEO Criena Gehrke and head of First Nations theatre Isaac Drandic. He will direct two of Queensland Theatre’s flagship productions in 2025 – Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice and Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men. His inaugural season for the company will be unveiled in late 2025.
queenslandtheatre.com.au