Sydney Theatre Company is thrilled to announce Kenneth Moraleda as our newest Resident Director. Kenneth is an director, actor, writer and creative producer who has performed in a number of beloved STC productions; Muriel’s Wedding The Musical (with Global Creatures), Australian Graffiti, and Cyrano De Bergerac. Kenneth joins our other Resident Directors Ian Michael and Shari Sebbens.
As a Director Kenneth’s recent triumphs include Ate Lovia (at the Old Fitz), One Hour No Oil (which he also co-wrote with Jordan Shea, at KXT/bAKEHOUSE).
Kenneth was also Assistant Director on three STC productions; Playing Beatie Bow, How to Rule the World and The Deep Blue Sea and he directed Rough Draft #48 – a development performance of Hubris and Humiliation. In 2023 Kenneth will direct a reading of our 2023 Patrick White Playwrights Award-winning play, and act as Assistant Director on our upcoming productions On The Beach and The Importance of Being Earnest.
We sat down with Kenneth to ask him how he’s feeling about the appointment and what his plans are while he’s with us.
How does it feel to be joining STC as our latest Resident Director?
Being the latest Resident Director to me feels like a combination of invigorating brand new territory and comforting homecoming. Having been engaged with STC in the last few years as a performer, being part of the CAAP/STC Directors Initiative, and as Assistant Director to Paige Rattray and Kip Williams, I’ve had the chance to work across various departments of the Company. The pathway to this role felt organic, cumulative and informed – full of championing people along the way.
The role has hosted a number of really big names in the history of Australian theatre – are there any previous STC resident directors who've inspired you and your artistic practice? How?
During my time with the CAAP Directing Initiative Jessica Arthur was a Resident Director and one of our mentors. I have gained from her the rigour required to forge a show, strong communication, and a sense of humour. I have been thoroughly engaged with the theatrically sharp and meaningful theatre she has directed for the Company. Shari Sebbens’ productions have been integral for my directorial brain in their explorations of our collective ‘Australian Identity’. When I was cast in STC’s Cyrano De Bergerac, Kip Williams was a Resident and Associate Director and I continue to learn from and be inspired by his masterful precision and the generous heart that’s evident in his shows and in the way he runs a leading theatre company.
Why are resident artist programs like STC's an important part of the theatre-making ecosystem?
Resident Artist programs allow artists to be surrounded by all the aspects that facilitate play and program making. For me they are a hothouse for rigorous discussion and learning in a supportive and focused environment. This space allows for forging enduring creative collaborations, a chance for experimentation, and the chance to be given access to practitioners and resources to create meaningful work.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I look forward to this role allowing me to tap into the expertise that surrounds me as I define and refine my theatrical practice. Also being a part of the Company’s New Work and Artistic Development department means I contribute to the planning and evolution of the connection with artists, foster and develop new work, and to build upon successful existing programs. My first major task is assembling a vibrant cast and directing the reading of the winning play for the Patrick White Playwriting Awards.
Read more about our Resident Artists.