WHO ARE WE?

GEORGE FAIRFAX

George Fairfax was a leading light in the Australian and International theatre  scenes.  He grew up in Nangiloc, a small town in the Mallee Region of Victoria.  George’s career was highlighted by theatre that combined his skills in acting, directing, design, music, choreography and writing.  He had a gift for bringing ensembles of creative artists together to produce performances that had as much meaning for their creators as they did for their audiences.

George was well known for his support and encouragement of activities that involved young people in developing their theatre skills and broadening their understanding of the creative arts, especially through places like Melbourne University, the Victorian College of the Arts and St Martin’s Youth Arts Centre.

VICKI FAIRFAX – PATRON

I’ve done many things in my life. In the beginning I trained as a nurse, a good place to start out in life! Later I went to Melbourne University and studied English Literature and Fine Arts and then worked in television at Crawford Productions as a researcher, a script-editor and writer for four wonderful years.

I have continued to write in some form or another ever since; as a dance writer and critic for The Age, as an arts publicist and for various publications. In 2002 I published a book about the creation of the Victorian Arts Centre called “A Place Across the River”. I was married to George Fairfax and we have a daughter, Jessica, who is now 23.

But I think that what you spend your time being is much more important than what you spend your life doing. These days I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can live a little more gently upon this earth; to save our precious resources, to use less and buy less, to be kinder to the people around me, to recognise they have their problems too.

And most days I still like to ask myself the question that Mary Oliver puts in her beautiful poem The Summer’s Day, “and what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” 

CLAIRE GLENN- FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

Claire Glenn graduated from the University of Otago, New Zealand with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Theatre Studies.  She is an experienced Independent Producer, Performing Arts Director, Arts Manager and Festival Director.

As Producer and Tour Manager for Melbourne based theatre company Three to a Room, she presented An Air Balloon Across Antarctica which premiered at Melbourne’s Trade Hall in 2007 and went on to a 4 week sell out season at the  Edinburgh Fringe, securing nominations for a Fringe First, Carol Tambour and Arches Brick Award.  The production then had a successful season in the 08 Adelaide Fringe where again it was nominated for Best New Writing and Best Drama in the Adelaide Fringe Awards.

Claire now resides in Portland Victoria where she is the Assistant Cultural Services Officer and Arts Projects Coordinator.  Claire’s most recent projects include SuperCOO-EEfragilisticexpialiCRIKEY and Pimp My Organ and Other Instruments.

Claire is thrilled to take on the role of Fairfax Festival Director for the second year in a row and is looking forward to a creative and inspiring Festival.

ADRIAN CORBETT- FESTIVAL MANAGER

Adrian has a Bachelor of Education and also a Bachelor of Arts – Music Theatre, he has worked extensively in education systems throughout Australia and overseas in areas such as Visual Arts and Performing Arts. He has performed lead roles in a variety of Musicals and Plays in centres throughout Australia most notably in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, London and Edinburgh. He has worked extensively as a Producer and Tour Manager for Melbourne based Out Cast Theatre, taking this local theatre company to international renown and success with sell out seasons in London and Edinburgh and upcoming performances scheduled for Dublin and Manchester. He has recently taken the post of Director of Performing Arts for the Swan Hill Rural City council and is excited to be part of this amazing event.

SHARYN FEATHERBY – FESTIVAL ADMINISTRATOR

Having been involved in Swan Hill Rural City Council’s Performing Arts Program and the Fairfax Festival for more than five years, Sharyn has seen the Fairfax Festival evolve, change and grow from one year to the next.

Through the Fairfax Festival, Sharyn loves not only being able to work with the youth and primary schools but also meeting the students and teachers visiting Swan Hill for the festival.

Working part time to enable her to spend time with her young family at home, Sharyn’s involvement in Performing Arts has allowed her to meet many interesting performers, one highlight of which was meeting actor John Wood when he was performing The Club at Swan Hill’s Harrison Theatre.

Sharyn is very much looking forward to being a part of this year’s Fairfax Festival and once again working with the students, teachers and industry professionals, from regional areas as they prepare for the gala performance evening on the 28 October 2011.