Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia
Subcategory of Awards Australian Awards
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History

Named in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann, and to commemorate his memory and achievements, the annual Helpmann Awards were established in 2001 by Live Performance Australia. They recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia's live performance sectors, including musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, cabaret, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre. The Helpmann Awards also incorporate the J. C. Williamson Award for outstanding contribution to the Australian live performance industry.

A noted dancer, choreographer and director of ballets, Sir Robert Helpmann was named Australian of the Year in 1965.

Source: http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/ Sighted: 29/11/2013.

Notes

  • The Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia, named in honour of, and to commemorate Sir Robert Helpmann's memory and achievements, were established by the Australian Entertainment Industry Association and are the national awards for the Australian Performing Arts Industry, in recognition of distinguished artistic achievement and excellence. These awards were established in 2000/2001.

Latest Winners / Recipients (also see subcategories)v1022

Year: 2013

winner (Best Direction of a Play) Neil Armfield For the Secret River
winner (Best Male Actor in a Musical) Geoffrey Rush for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
winner (Best Music Direction) Iain Grandage
winner (Outstanding theatrical achievement) Peter Wilson for King Kong

Year: 2011

winner (Best Play, Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play (Anita Hegh) and Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play (Anthony Phelan)) The Wild Duck Simon Stone , Chris Ryan , 2011 single work drama

'Are there some truths it’s better not to know?

Winner of three Helpmann Awards (2011) and four Sydney Theatre Awards (2011), this taut, stripped-back rendition of a modern classic never lets up. Director Simon Stone has developed from a wunderkind of Melbourne’s indie theatre to an established force on Australia’s mainstages. Here he transplants Ibsen’s characters into the contemporary world in a new play tailor-made for an astonishing cast led by Ewen Leslie.

Hjalmar Ekdal grew up rich but scandal cast him into poverty. Now he lives in a tiny flat with his father, his wife, his daughter and a duck. When his old friend Gregers Werle returns with unfinished business, the truth Gregers brings could shatter the world Hjalmar has built around himself.

A bittersweet portrait of family dysfunction, deception and denial, The Wild Duck resounds for a new age.' (Source: Malthouse Theatre website)

Other Awards: Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play (Anita Hegh) and Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play (Anthony Phelan)

Year: 2009

Mathinna David Page (composer), Bangarra Dance Theatre , Stephen Page , 2008 single work drama Indigenous story

'Inspired by a young girl's journey between two cultures, Mathinna traces the fragmented history of a young Tasmanian Aboriginal girl removed from her traditional life and adopted into Western Colonial society, only to be ultimately returned to the fragments of her original heritage' (Source : www.bangarra.com.au (Sighted 07/10/2009)).

Year: 2007

Works About this Award

Bangarra's Bonanza single work column
Kev Carmody Takes Out Helpmann Award 2019 single work column
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 31 July no. 706 2019; (p. 11)
'Indigenous singer-songwriter Kev Carmody whos works have become ingrained in Australian culture, has taken out a top prize at the 19th annual Helpmann Awards. (Introduction)
Helpmann Awards Recognise Our Finest 2019 single work column
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 31 July no. 706 2019; (p. 4)
Aboriginal performers and shows shone at the recent Helpmann Awards, which recognise Australia's best in performing arts and live entertainment.'

 (Introduction)

Helpmann Awards Show Theatre Is Winning Diversity Race in Australian Entertainment Michaela Boland , 2019 single work column
— Appears in: ABC News [Online] , July 2019;

'Diversity has finally triumphed in Australian live entertainment, with key categories of the 19th Helpmann Awards going to a Sri Lankan immigrant family saga and a rollicking Indigenous musical.' (Introduction)

Helpmann Awards : Sydney Theatre Company the Biggest Winner across Split Ceremony at Capitol Theatre Dee Jefferson , 2018 single work column
— Appears in: ABC News [Online] , July 2018;

'Sydney Theatre Company scored big in this year's Helpmann Awards, the peak awards for performing arts in Australia.'  (Introduction)

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