When Rick Heath was recruited to WA’s State theatre company in early 2020 he knew he was entering fraught terrain. Eight months prior it had been announced that then-Executive Director Natalie Jenkins would not have her contract renewed under controversial circumstances. She subsequently departed the role six months early, prompting disquiet throughout the sector.
Despite it being his first time leading a major theatre company, Heath’s previous 10 year stint as Executive Director of Performing Arts Connections Australia (then known as the Australian Performing Arts Centre Association) positioned him well to step in at Black Swan.
