Perth's top performers crowned at the 2020 Performing Arts WA Awards this Saturday

Celebrating the achievements of the WA arts sector for 20 years, the 2020 Performing Arts WA Awards Night will be held online this Saturday night from 6:30pm. Featuring 21 categories and 98 nominations from works presented in 2019, the awards shine a spotlight on the incredible hard work and talent that goes into making theatre and dance productions. Presented by Artist Relief Fund WA this year, it's a chance for the community to come together and celebrate the performing arts industry in WA.

“At a time when artists have seen their jobs vanish and scores of companies lose funding, it’s more important than ever to celebrate our sector,” says Nick Maclaine, the Artist Relief Fund’s secretary.

The awards fall under the three key categories of Theatre, Dance and Production, with awards given to best actor (male and female), best production, best director, best choreographer, best newcomer and best independent production, amongst others. Notable winners from previous years include Mackenzie Dunn, Kirsty Marillier, Amanda Woodhams, Jill Perryman, Kelton Pell and Reg Cribbs.

Helene Cielak has been nomination as Best Newcomer for her performance in Miss Westralia.

In line with social distancing, this year’s ceremony will take place in a special digital ceremony through live and pre-recorded video, which all are welcome to join.

“People need the arts in times like these and in all times. Sharing stories is one of the most precious forms of work there is, and we’re going to honour our storytellers and workers.”

The Awards will be presented by performer/artists Libby Klysz, Yilin Kong and Zainab ZS and CircuitWest Executive Director Ryan Taaffe, and will include some special guests and live performances.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company have received several nominations for their production Ice Land: A Hip h'Opera.

Multiple category nominees include actors Charlotte Otton for Feminah (The Blue Room Theatre’s Summer Nights) and Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa for Fully Sikh (Barking Gecko Theatre & Black Swan State Theatre Company). Productions Lé Nør [the rain] from The Last Great Hunt, Ice Land: A Hip h'Opera from Yirra Yaakin and Wonder Woman created by dancer Laura Boynes, also received multiple nominations across categories.

“Our volunteer judges are stepping up to help create a digital ceremony that’s joyful, participatory and inclusive,” says Nick Maclaine. “I really think it will be the next best thing to being there.”

See the full list of nominees here: https://www.performingartswa.org.au/nominations

Event Details

Date & Time: Saturday, 2 May 2020 from 6:30pm Where: Online via Zoom Meeting ID | 860-7857-4920 Password | 008239 No registration necessary – just join in on the night.