Ming-Zhu Hii has been appointed Female Director in Residence at Malthouse Theatre for 2018/19. A writer and actor as well as a director, her work spans theatre, film, video art and installation, with a particular interest in the intersections of multiple forms. Hii recently appeared in Malthouse’s 2017 production of Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.

“I’m incredibly excited to expand my understanding of the artistic rigours and processes of making cutting-edge mainstage work — as well as gain practical insight into the business of producing large-scale contemporary theatre,” Hii said. “I feel particularly privileged to be invited to participate in conversations around Malthouse Theatre’s artistic programming and audience development. I’m keen to learn how these decisions and discussions can impact our culture, our society, and the evolution of live performance practice.”

The Female Director in Residence Program provides career development, personal mentoring and a salary to an emerging woman theatre director. The only program of its kind in Australia, previous participants include Sapidah Kian (2017), Janice Muller (2016), Samara Hersch (2015), Clare Watson (2014), Roslyn Oades (2013), Adena Jacobs (2012) and Anne-Louise Sarks (2011).

Hii has written and spoken on the need for increased representation of women and culturally diverse artists in...