Robyn Nevin

Robyn Nevin began her illustrious journey at the National Institute Of Dramatic Art, joining the inaugural intake in 1959 at the tender age of 16, alongside notable alumni Mel Gibson. Following her graduation, she experienced a brief yet intense period of creative turmoil, which she humorously referred to as "a little temperamental huff" with the theatre. Undeterred, she seized the opportunity to hone her craft in various roles at the national broadcaster in Tasmania, where she cut her teeth in a diverse range of radio and television programs, including current affairs, music, chat shows, and children's shows throughout the early 1960s. However, she soon discovered that the television "personality" persona was not her cup of tea and thus gravitated back to her true love - the theatre. For the past 40 years, she has been a constant presence in this realm, where she has been able to channel her creative energies and excel as a talented actress. While theatre has remained her primary domain, she has also made a lasting impact in Australian films and mini-series, earning numerous credits for her strong supporting roles. One notable exception was her foray into directing, albeit a small but significant one, with the lesser-known The More Things Change... in 1986. In the 1990s, after becoming disillusioned with the unsatisfactory productions she was involved in, Nevin realized she yearned for greater control over her work. As a result, she expanded her role from solely that of an actor to also taking on the responsibilities of directing and managing. This new trajectory ultimately led her to assume the esteemed position of Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company. Today, she is widely regarded as a doyenne of Australian theatre, having been recognized for her outstanding contributions with the prestigious Order Of Australia.