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