Eva Di Cesare to Step Down as Monkey Baa Artistic Director in 2027

On June 29, Eva Di Cesare, the co-founder and Artistic Director of Monkey Baa Theatre Company, declared her intention to resign at the conclusion of 2027, marking the company's 30th anniversary. She is the final remaining original co-founder, following Tim McGarry's departure in 2017 and Sandra Eldridge's in 2023. To facilitate a seamless transition, Di Cesare has provided an 18-month notice period. Established in 1997, the company aimed to ensure that all young people, particularly in regional and remote areas of Australia, have access to high-quality theatre. Under her guidance, Monkey Baa has engaged over 1.8 million children both nationally and internationally, receiving numerous accolades, including Helpmann and Sydney Theatre Awards. Di Cesare has adapted over 20 productions, with upcoming tours in 2026 expected to attract around 150,000 attendees. She has also commissioned works like Yong and Detention. Highlighting the challenges of rising costs and a cost-of-living crisis, she noted that production tours can range from $400,000 to $500,000. Di Cesare stresses the necessity of collaborating with young audiences, urging artists to engage rather than assume their preferences. The search for a new Artistic Director will commence in 2027.