“Programming any season is a complex act; a bit like a cross between a Sudoku and a cryptic crossword,” says Kip Williams, “with a strange train timetable thrown into the mix.” The Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director is talking to Limelight ahead of the 2023 season announcement. Asked if he dares choose between children, he says he is unable to pick any favourites in the program, but he is incredibly thrilled at the prospect of finally announcing a 16-play season for the first time since the pandemic began.

STC Artistic Director, Kip-Williams. Photo © Daniel Boud

“I’m delighted that 10 of the writers of the plays are Australian, and that there’ll be six world premieres. It’s been a big commitment of mine during my time at STC to develop new Australian writing and Australian voices.”

Williams is very aware of the current mindset of Sydney theatregoers. “I think audiences want to escape to another place,” he says. “Particularly coming out of the past two and a half years, they want to see something live...