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Noongar language adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Hecate dominates 2021 Performing Arts WA Awards

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Simon CollinsThe West Australian
Yirra Yaakin and Bell Shakespeare production Hecate won eight awards at the 2021 Performing Arts WA Awards.
Camera IconYirra Yaakin and Bell Shakespeare production Hecate won eight awards at the 2021 Performing Arts WA Awards.

Hecate, the acclaimed Noongar language reboot of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, has cleaned up at the 2021 Performing Arts WA Awards, held at the State Theatre Centre of WA on Monday night.

Commissioned by and making its premiere at last year’s Perth Festival, the Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company and Bell Shakespeare production won eight awards, including best mainstage production and best new work.

Hecate adapter and director Kylie Bracknell was name best director of a mainstage producer, while actors Della Rae Morrison, Cezera Critti-Schnaars and Kyle J. Morrison took out top acting honours at the awards, hosted by Artist Relief Fund WA.

Della Rae Morrison starred in the titular role of Perth Festival premiere Hecate.
Camera IconDella Rae Morrison starred in the titular role of Perth Festival premiere Hecate.

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Clint Bracknell won best composition or arranging and Mark Howlett won best lighting design for their work on the groundbreaking local production.

Another Perth Festival commission in Strut Dance’s Hofesh in the Yard took out two gongs, including best dance production and best dancer (male) for Mitch Harvey.

Other winners included Candice Adea, who was named best performer (female) for WA Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and Samantha Crameri-Miller, who earned best newcomer honours for High Expectations.

Candice Adea was named best performer (female) for WA Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the 2021 Performing Arts WA Awards.
Camera IconCandice Adea was named best performer (female) for WA Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the 2021 Performing Arts WA Awards. Credit: France Andrijich

WA Opera and Perth Festival’s revival of Bran Nue Dae earned best performer in an opera or musical for Teresa Moore and best movement director for Tara Gower.

Architecture of Hope, as part of Ballet at the Quarry, won best new work.

Five new awards recognising musicals and opera were presented at the ceremony with WA Opera winning best production for Cosi fan tutte and Oklahoma!’s Axel Duffy named best newcomer and best performer (male) in Black Swan State Theatre Company’s adaptation of the wild west musical.

Strut Dance’s Hofesh in the Yard won two major awards at the 2021 Performing Arts WA Awards.
Camera IconStrut Dance’s Hofesh in the Yard won two major awards at the 2021 Performing Arts WA Awards. Credit: Anthony Tran

Respected actor and director of Indigenous theatre and film Lynette Narkle and award-winning theatre director Andrew Ross both received lifetime achievement awards.

All winners received cash prizes from sponsors, including the Minderoo Foundation which also pledged funds to second year WA Academy of Performing Arts students across six disciplines.

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