Last Sunday evening, December 12th, the Independent Theatre Association of WA held its annual Robert Finley Awards Presentation Night at the Regal Theatre in Subiaco. Congratulations are extended to the Kalamunda Dramatic Society (KADS) who won first prize in both categories of Best Musical Production and Best Play of 1999.

The Best Play trophy was awarded to first-time director Joe Isaia, for his powerful production of Nuts, presented at KADS Theatre in late November/early December. Terry Hackett, experienced director at KADS and winner of the Best Play award in 1997, won last night’s award for Best Musical of 1999 for her production of Nunsense.

Commendations also go to the Floreat-based company, Playlovers, who won the runner-up award in the Best Musical category for their production of The World Goes ‘Round, and for winning the third place award in the Best Play category for first-time director Renee Capetta’s production of Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers. Roleystone Theatre won the runner-up award in the Best Play category for director Kim Martin’s production of the David Williamson play, Dead White Males.

Relative newcomers to the Perth theatre scene, Thornlie-based Blak Yak Theatre was the recipient of the coveted Sheila Buchanan Memorial Adjudicators Encouragement Trophy, traditionally awarded by the adjudicators for, “a continued high standard of production throughout the year combined with an intention and willingness for experimentation and risk-taking in the choice of productions”.

The enthusiastic crowd of over 500 was treated to a show consisting of highlights from the past year’s productions. Contributors included Roleystone Theatre, Garrick Theatre, Melville Theatre, Stirling Players, KADS, Blak Yak Theatre and Playlovers. The evening’s entertainment culminated in the presentation of the eponymous awards, named for Robert Finley and set up as a Trust after his death in 1975. The Independent Theatre Association, umbrella organisation for WA’s independent theatres, coordinates adjudication of productions throughout the year, organises the Award Presentation Evening annually in December, and, in conjunction with the Perth Theatre Trust, manages the Robert Finley Trust.

Jarrod Buttery,

President, Independent Theatre Association.

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