Acclaimed arts leader Katherine (Kath) Fyffe has been appointed as the new Executive Director of State Theatre Company South Australia.
With over 25 years’ experience, this appointment sees Kath return to Adelaide from Melbourne where she has held senior leadership roles at Polyglot Theatre and Theatre Network Australia. In Adelaide, she co-led the acclaimed Adelaide-based independent company The Border Project. She brings with her a wealth of national and international experience in producing, management and arts leadership.
Kath will be departing Polyglot Theatre, where as Executive Director she co-led a team of more than 40 staff and artists to deliver 35 annual presentations and projects for audiences of over 41,000. Under her leadership, the company premiered six new works in five years, including the internationally acclaimed When the World Turns in collaboration with the UK’s Oily Cart, which toured to the Lincoln Centre in New York. She has also initiated sector-wide collaborations, including a major Victorian Theatre for Young Audiences project backed by new philanthropic investment, demonstrating her vision for strategic growth and community impact.
“I am delighted to return home to Adelaide to take up the role of Executive Director of State Theatre Company South Australia,” Kath said. “This Company has long been a leader in bold and transformative theatre, and I am thrilled to be joining Petra Kalive and the team to build on its incredible artistic momentum. I look forward to working with South Australian artists, audiences and partners to shape an ambitious, inclusive and sustainable future for theatre in this state and beyond.”
Chair of the Board Joe Thorp said:
“Kath brings exceptional experience and vision to the Company. From a field of outstanding candidates, she stood out for her ability to combine ambitious artistic leadership with strong financial stewardship and community-building. We are excited to welcome her back to Adelaide and confident she will be an outstanding Executive Director alongside Petra Kalive.”
State Theatre Company South Australia Artistic Director Petra Kalive said:
“Kath is a leader who understands how to marry bold artistic ideas with operational rigour. She is deeply invested in the cultural life of this country and brings with her extraordinary knowledge of building partnerships, broadening audiences, and supporting artists. I am so excited to embark on this new chapter with her.”
Fyffe’s return to Adelaide also reconnects her with the city where she co-founded and co-led The Border Project, one of South Australia’s most innovative independent theatre companies of the 2000s, creating acclaimed works in partnership with Adelaide Festival, Sydney Theatre Company and Belgium’s Ontroerend Goed.
Minister Andrea Michaels welcomed the appointment:
“Kath Fyffe’s breadth of experience, leadership and integrity will serve the Company incredibly well. She will make a profound contribution to the artistic and cultural life of South Australia.”
Kath joins State Theatre Company South Australia as Executive Director in January.
State Theatre Company South Australia will launch its 2026 Season on Wednesday, October 8.
https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/
