Australia’s national arts and culture think tank A New Approach (ANA) has announced the appointments of April Phillips and Merlynn Tong to the Board, with both joining as Associates in 2024.
Tong is an actor and playwright who often creates works that stem from the autobiographical experience of growing up in Singapore and which harness themes of transformation, legacy, inheritance and hope. Her work Blue Bones (Playlab Theatre) won six Matilda Awards, including the Lord Mayor Award for Best New Australian Work, Best Mainstage Production and Best Female Actor in a Leading Role. Her work Golden Blood (Griffin Theatre) was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award (Drama) and the Sydney Theatre Awards (Best New Australian Work). Golden Blood will be staged by Sydney Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company in 2024. Tong is based in Brisbane, Queensland.
