We asked them to stay: Sydney Theatre Company refutes newspaper claim

The board of Sydney Theatre Company have released a statement saying there was absolutely no truth in a newspaper report today that the STC board had decided not to renew Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton’s contracts for a third term.

The Sydney Morning Herald posted an article today titled “Theatre company to call time on the rule of Blanchett and Upton” claiming the STC had decided not to renew Cate and Andrew’s contracts as co-Artistic Directors, citing Upton’s ‘erratic’ personality and Blanchett’s overseas film commitments as a cause for concern.

In today’s statement, the STC Chairman, David Gonski says quite the opposite.

“The reality is that the board asked Cate and Andrew to stay on after their current term ends in 2013” Gonski said today.

Gonski praised the pair, who have been working as Co Artistic Directors and CEOs, for turning around the STC’s finances, creating a sustainable business and taking the company to new artistic heights.

“They are a couple not only of extraordinary talents and profile but they have a strong business sense and a strong financial rigour”, he said.

Since the husband and wife team took up the top job in 2008, the STC has built strong relationships for Australian talent overseas.

“Andrew Upton’s work as a director and writer has resulted in the strong relationship between STC and Britain’s National Theatre”, Gonski said.

“All of the board members recognise the contribution Cate and Andrew have made over the last four years and look forward to working with them for a further two years.”

Congratulations to Blanchett and Upton for such a successful tenure at the STC. With projects like Greening The Wharf and the new bar at the wharf, along with the profits and profile they have achieved, it seems completely reasonable that the STC would have asked them to stay. Who wouldn’t?