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Award-winning independent Melbourne company Theatre @ Risk will be heading into a period of significant change in the coming months. Artistic Director Chris Bendall steps down this week after more than seven years with the company, following his appointment as the new Artistic Director of Deckchair Theatre, Fremantle. Creative Producer Kirrilly Brentnall and Associate Director Victor Bizzotto will also leave the organisation, both of whom co-founded Theatre @ Risk with Bendall in 2001.

The Board has appointed John Paxinos and John-Paul Fischbach to take over as co-Executive Producers of the company. Theatre @ Risk will continue to be a significant force in the performing arts scene in Melbourne, and will now support other new and emerging small to medium theatre companies and independent performing arts projects through the recently launched Incubator Project.

Bendall moves to Western Australia in mid-May to start his new position. “Although I will be sorry to leave Melbourne, I am very excited to have the opportunity to take on this new and exciting position. I look forward to the new possibilities and challenges ahead with Deckchair Theatre, and will continue to support the development and creation of new Australian drama in my new role. I am immensely proud of Theatre @ Risk’s achievements over the past 7 years. Since our first production in May 2001, we have made a strong imprint on the Melbourne cultural scene, and continued to do so right up until the last event of 2007, the Festival of New Writing. Thank you to all the artists and the audience that have made the last seven years possible. Thanks also to the many sponsors who have supported our work, especially The Myer Foundation and Arts Victoria. I am confident that independent theatre in Melbourne will continue to flourish, and hope that Theatre @ Risk also will continue to thrive and play an important role in the continued growth of the performing arts in Melbourne.” says Bendall.

Incoming executive producers Paxinos and Fischbach write: “The Auspicious Arts Incubator supports independent performing arts projects, performances and artists to achieve sustainability. The small and medium sized companies that make up the vibrant independent scene in Melbourne are a great source of creativity and energy. These young companies are also the companies at risk. We are thrilled to steer the evolution of Theatre @ Risk to help to support new, exciting and innovative work happening in Melbourne.”