When Mitchell Butel was tapped to be Artistic Director of State Theatre Company South Australia he brought with him a reputation as one of the country’s finest performers and a strong list of director credits. But he hadn’t run a company before and the fates weren’t about to make it the easiest of transitions. In his first year, 2020, five shows had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. Last year was better – just two shows were unable to be staged, only one of which was a COVID casualty – but it has nevertheless been “a baptism of fire”, Butel tells Limelight.

State Theatre Compnay South Australia Artistic Director Mitchell Butel and Executive Director Julian Hobba. Photo © Sven Kovac

Why, then, does he say that “my overwhelming feeling is one of incredible gratitude”? Along with his delight in having the opportunity to lead State Theatre, it’s because the crisis has brought with it a “massive” level of community support and goodwill. “Notwithstanding the incredible challenges, it has been a reminder of how valued this company is in Adelaide and...