Sophie Roberts An Auckland theatre company with a rich history of powerful gay productions has announced its new Artistic Director. Sophie Roberts, a talented actor and director, will take over from Shane Bosher in April. “Sophie was far and away the best candidate for the role of Artistic Director,” Trust Chairman Rick Carlyon says. “She is young but her experience and track record mark her out as a stellar talent – and one that is primed and ready to take up one of the most important roles in New Zealand theatre.” Roberts has been involved in numerous productions with gay themes. Just last year she directed The Pride for Silo and was part of the ensemble cast in The Laramie Project – 10 Years Later at The Basement. She has also already directed Midsummer and I Love You Bro for Silo and has extensive directing, producing and acting credits at Basement, Bats, Q Loft and Downstage theatres. Roberts says she is thrilled to be the next Artistic Director for what she sees as the leader of contemporary theatre in New Zealand. “Shane is leaving some pretty epic shoes to fill but his legacy of artistic excellence, generosity of spirit, bold and heartfelt work is so present in every aspect of the company that I feel immensely supported stepping into this role,” Roberts says. “I’m determined to forge my own path and I’m so excited about the future direction of the company. At Silo we are blessed with a theatre-literate audience, people with questioning minds who expect the company to take risks and ask important questions, not only about New Zealand but the world we live in. “I hope that through my leadership Silo can continue to evolve in response to the cultural climate. I am looking forward to pushing the possibilities of storytelling into the future with Silo.” Rick Carlyon has also paid tribute to Bosher, who will present his last Silo production, Angels in America, from March. “Shane has built, over 13 years, the most exciting and ground-breaking theatre company in the country,” he says. “His vision and commitment has been characterised by an intrepid pursuit of the truth of the new and a courageous determination to break new ground, even at the risk of controversy.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 18th December 2013 - 10:37am