Malthouse Theatre has appointed director Dean Bryant as its next Artistic Director, in a move the company says marks a new era for one of Australia’s leading centres of contemporary performance.

Bryant brings to the role more than two decades of experience across theatre, musicals, opera and cabaret. His productions have won multiple awards, including five Green Room Awards, three Sydney Theatre Awards and a Helpmann Award.

He steps into the role vacated by Matthew Lutton, now the Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival.

Dean Bryant. Portrait © Ron Whitfield

“Malthouse gets to be the naughty one,” Bryant said. “The company that pushes boundaries, invites new audiences in, and throws a party while doing it. That’s its legacy and its future. Melbourne needs a Malthouse that’s thriving.”

“The goal isn’t just growth. It’s hunger. Risk. Joy,” Bryant adds. “You can feel it when a show catches fire, word of mouth surges, a foyer buzzes, and people leave the theatre changed. That’s the alchemy I want to chase.”

Raised in regional Victoria, Bryant studied law before finding his path in the rehearsal...