From the early, coruscating sensations of Don's Party and The Removalists to the annual smash-hits like Emerald City and Brilliant Lies, David Williamson's plays have been the way Australians have known themselves. His life has been as engaged and interesting as his art; he has been friend to most of the significant artistic and political figures of his generation. In Conversation with Andrew Upton, David Williamson shares a lifetime of passion.
ANDREW UPTON (LOCAL) ANDREW UPTON is currently artistic director and CEO of the Sydney Theatre Company, with Cate Blanchett.
Andrew has written for both stage and screen and his most recent adaptation was the National Theatre’s 2007 production of The Philistines. In 2006, Andrew’s directorial debut for the theatre was with his translation of Dissident, Goes Without Saying, which was staged as part of STC’s Wharf 2Loud. Andrew’s play, Riflemind, directed by Phillip Seymour Hoffman and starring Hugo Weaving, was staged as part of STC’s 2007 Season.
Andrew’s first adaptation for STC was Cyrano de Bergerac in 1999, followed by Don Juan in 2001. His third major adaptation, Hedda Gabler (Green Room Award Nomination for Best Adaptation of a Dramatic Theatre Production), was staged by STC in 2004 and toured to the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2006. His adaptation of The Cherry Orchard was directed by Howard Davies for STC in 2005. Andrew’s original play Hanging Man was staged by STC in 2002.
Andrew adaptation of Luigi Pirandello’s play, Right You Are (If You Think You Are) was staged as a one off 'performance’ at the Guggenheim Museum as part of the PERFORMA 07 biennial.
DAVID WILLIAMSON initially studied mechanical engineering at Melbourne University, writing skits on the side for the Engineers’ Revue. After a brief stint at General Motors Holden, he devoted himself to playwriting in 1967. David rose to prominence with works such as Don's Party and The Removalists. He collaborated on the screenplays for Gallipoli and The Year of Living Dangerously. Other important works have included The Club, The Department, Travelling North, The Perfectionist, Emerald City, Money, Friends and Brilliant Lies and Dead White Males.
He recently co-wrote Balibo with Robert Connolly. David has been married to wife Kristin for 35 years. Kristin is the biographer of David in the newly released David Williamson: Behind the Scenes.
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