Will Sydney poach one of Melbourne’s leading creatives to fill a key job?

Sydney Theatre Company (STC), one of Australia's leading cultural institutions, has been searching for a new artistic director following the departure of Kip Williams at the end of 2021. The search for a successor has attracted significant attention due to the caliber of candidates being considered. Here's an expansion on the context provided and some factual content about the contenders:

1. Melbourne's Leading Creatives: The implication is that these creative individuals are currently holding prominent positions in Melbourne's arts scene. One such name that has been mentioned is Melbourne Theatre Company's (MTC) Artistic Director, Brett Sheehy. Sheehy has been at the helm of MTC since 2014 and has overseen numerous successful productions. His tenure has been marked by a focus on new Australian works and collaborations with international artists.

2. High-Profile Directorial Names in Australia: Some other notable figures being linked to the STC position include:

a. Simon Stone: He is an acclaimed Australian theatre director and writer. Stone has worked extensively with the Sydney Opera House and Belvoir Street Theatre. He has also directed productions for the New York Metropolitan Opera and London's Almeida Theatre.

b. Neil Armfield: Armfield is an accomplished Australian theatre and film director. He has worked with STC before and has been the artistic director of Belvoir Street Theatre since 2015. Armfield's productions have garnered numerous awards and critical acclaim.

c. Kate Cherry: Cherry is an experienced Australian theatre director who has worked with various companies including STC and MTC. She has been the artistic director of Perth Theatre Company since 2016. Cherry's work has been praised for its innovative approach and exploration of contemporary themes.

These candidates bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the table. The appointment of any one of them would significantly impact the direction and profile of Sydney Theatre Company. The decision is expected to be made soon, with the new artistic director set to take up their role later this year.