Andrea James

Judges' Comments

Senior judge Helen Bowden said: "The last two years have brought huge challenges to the theatre world, so in this fourth iteration of the Mona Brand Award, it is an honour to highlight the exceptional body of work by Yorta Yorta/Gunaikurnai woman Andrea James."  

"Andrea James’ work will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. We cannot imagine a more worthy recipient of the 2022 Mona Brand Award." 
 
Andrea is a theatre maker – a writer, director and dramaturg – with a huge range of work. Work that is unruly, delightful and heartbreaking. She has dedicated her artistic practice to telling First Nations stories on stage, working with other First Nations artists, and being guided by her proud and determined ancestry. Whether telling us the heartwarming story of Evonne Goolagong Cawley in Sunshine Super Girl or the battle of ‘dog’ versus ‘dingo’ in Dogged, Andrea’s work speaks of things many of us are too afraid to face. She writes immersive stories with a remarkable mixture of candour, humour and humanity.