From the CEO

When I joined Milk Crate Theatre in 2019, I never could have predicted the rollercoaster ride that was ahead.

2019 was a year of highs with a full schedule of creative workshops, the presentation of INTERIM with the Waterloo Housing Estate residents, and presentation of our most ambitious work yet, NATURAL ORDER.

We rolled into 2020 with a full program, and then as the world locked down because of COVID-19 in March, we had to suspend programming. Our team quickly pivoted to offer the opportunity for the community to connect online. Then in our Milk Crate way, amazing things started to happen. New characters and a narrative developed into a beautiful new work, DUST STORM, which was performed online via Zoom.

September arrived. We were finally able to come back to the floor with workshops, and the creative development of an exciting new Australian theatre work, TINY UNIVERSE, in partnership with Shopfront Arts Co-op.

We took the opportunity to look at our strategic plan behind the scenes - going back to basics and asking what we are actually here for! And I'm delighted to say that whilst the basics haven't changed, we have made some significant changes that provide a stronger and clearer direction for the future.

The support we have received from Milk Crate's many friends and partners this year has been incredible. It is with sincere gratitude that we have been able to secure the funding to schedule a remarkable and exciting program for 2021 - a program that's big, ambitious, exhilarating, and we can't wait to share it! I am so incredibly proud of the team and our community and how much we've managed to achieve in the face of what some would describe at times as an insurmountable test on our courage and resilience. I would like to personally thank Margot Politis and artistic team, who in many instances put the community's needs ahead of their own. I am also grateful to our dedicated Board of Directors for contributing their time, expertise and personal support to guide us through this uncertain year.

This Annual Review features the highlights across both 2019 and 2020, sharing some of the exciting work our community has created through this time.

We hope you enjoy it!

JODIE WAINWRIGHT

"I felt heard when creating my character and some of my lines. I will take away from Natural Order, that I can achieve anything."

Natural Order Collaborative Artist

Image Credit: The cast of Natural Order, 2019. Photo by Patrick Boland.