Sydney’s Griffin Theatre Company has named playwright and screenwriter Melanie Tait as the recipient of the 2026 Suzie Miller Award, awarding her a $30,000 commission and a two-year residency with the company.

Tait, whose stage works include The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race and The Queen’s Nanny, will develop a new play exploring medical ethics in brain cancer science. As part of the residency, she will also mentor emerging writers through Griffin Studio, serve as a judge for the Griffin Award and contribute to the company’s programming decisions.

Melanie Tait. Portrait © Sally Flegg

The award was established in 2024 by acclaimed playwright Suzie Miller in partnership with Griffin Theatre Company to support mid-career writers. Miller, whose works include Prima Facie, said Tait’s winning project stood out in a highly competitive field for its ambition and engagement with contemporary themes.

Said Miller: “Melanie’s play shows her taking exciting risks, ambitiously exploring contemporary themes and...