Griffin’s Strong Appointment

Griffin Theatre Company Chair Michael Bradley today announced that award-winning director and dramaturg Sam Strong has been appointed the new Artistic Director of Griffin Theatre Company.

Strong, currently the Literary Associate at Company B Belvoir and director of its current hit The Power of Yes, replaces Nick Marchand who leaves next month after three and a half years to become Director of the British Council in Australia. It is an exciting time in Griffin’s history for Strong to join the company, with the company soon to renovate its iconic home at the SBW Stables Theatre.

“Sam’s appointment is a great moment for Griffin,” Bradley said.

“Nick Marchand has laid the perfect platform for the company’s next big steps forward, combining the major renovation of the Stables Theatre with bold new developments in Griffin’s creative outreach, and Sam is the perfect champion to lead the charge. Griffin’s long history has been one of constant innovation, leadership and integrity, and Sam embodies those qualities. The entire company is very excited about the chapter that his artistic directorship will write.”

Nick Marchand agreed, saying he supported Strong’s appointment.

“I am thrilled to pass on the baton to Sam as Griffin’s next Artistic Director,” he said.

“He has been a huge advocate for new writing at Red Stitch and Company B – and his passion for Griffin is clear to us all. With his unique directorial, dramaturgical and personal skills, and a fantastic team and Board to work with, I know he’ll lead the company to extraordinary new adventures.”

Strong said it was a great honour to join Griffin in such a capacity.

“I am thrilled to be leading a Company with such a wonderful history and a unique reputation as a boutique powerhouse of new Australian writing,” Strong said.

“I admire what Nick has achieved in providing opportunities for artists and extending the reach of the Company. I can’t wait to work with the staff at Griffin to bring audiences the highest quality new Australian work from the highest quality Australian artists. I can’t wait to extend the theatre’s reputation as an exciting and vibrant hub for artists and audiences alike.”