Darlinghurst Theatre Company honours the memory of Nick Enright

Darlinghurst Theatre Company and the Enright family hosted a special event at  the new Eternity Playhouse last week.

In honour of the late Nick Enright, over the next three years, the Enright family is supporting Darlinghurst Theatre Company to produce three plays by the renowned Australian playwright, including Daylight Saving in 2014, as well as two other works in 2015 and 2016.

During the evening performances and talks were held from special guests, ranging from journalist and author David Marr, actor Sandy Gore, and composer Terence Clarke, as well as performers Paul Capsis, Doug Hansell, Genevieve Lemon, Lynne Pierse and Tony Sheldon, all who had the privilege of knowing Nick personally.

Nick  Enright was a well-known and well-respected actor, director and teacher, as well as a prolific and influential writer for film, television, radio and the stage.

His playwriting credits include Daylight Saving (1989) and Cloudstreet (1998), which was based on the award-winning novel by Tim Winton.

He also wrote the book for many musicals including Variations (1982), The Venetian Twins (1979) and Broadway hit, The Boy from Oz (1998).

Nick co-wrote the screenplay for Lorenzo’s Oil (1993), which earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Nick was Head of Acting at NIDA between 1983 and 1984, and was also a mentor and teacher to many in the industry throughout his life.

Darlinghurst Theatre Company Director Glenn Terry said “As well as being a leading Australian writer, Nick Enright was much loved within the theatre community.

“He was a mentor to many professional theatre artists and I have fond memories of Nick mentoring young artists at our old theatre in Potts Point.”

Ian Enright, one of Nick’s brothers, said “We are delighted that the Darlinghurst Theatre Company and its Eternity Playhouse are taking a lead in the development, performance and promotion of Nick’s works through a number of initiatives. We hope that others will follow.”

In addition, the Darlinghurst Theatre Company has named the Eternity Playhouse bar “Nick’s Bar” as a tribute to this much-loved Australian theatrical fiture.

Daylight Saving will play from 31 October to 30 November, 2104, directed by Mark Kilmurry. For more information, visit www.darlinghursttheatre.com