معرفی
Dr Christopher Hurrell serves as Lecturer and Manager of the Flinders University Drama Centre, South Australia's dedicated professional training program for actors, directors and theatre-makers. He is also a Full Member of the Assemblage Centre for Creative Practice Research within the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.
His educational background includes a PhD in Theatre and Performance from Goldsmiths, University of London (2019) with a thesis titled 'Hear My Soul Speak' - Finding Prospero in the Verbal Music of Shakespeare's The Tempest, and a BA (Hons) in Drama from Flinders University of South Australia (2000).
Hurrell's research focuses on acting techniques for Shakespearean performance, particularly late plays, with his practice-based research developing new methods for actors working with Shakespeare's language. His work spans new Australian writing, Shakespearean performance, musical theatre, and dramaturgy, with significant contributions to contemporary Australian theatre practice.
His most recent scholarly output is the 2025 world premiere of Glace Chase's play 'Gull - or - the Most Lamentable Comedie Called Love' for the Adelaide Fringe, which represents his ongoing commitment to developing new Australian works while maintaining strong connections to Shakespearean traditions.
Hurrell has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career:
- Queensland Premier's Literary Award for Best New Play (2010)
- Griffin Award for Best New Play (2008, 2003)
- Mitch Matthews Award for Best New Play (2008, 2004)
- GLUG Award for Best New Play (2005)
- Drover Award for Best Touring Production (2006)
- AWGIE Stage Award (2004)
- NSW Premier's Literary Awards - Play Award (2004)
As an educator, Hurrell teaches a comprehensive range of performance subjects including Acting for the Contemporary Australian Stage, Performance Fundamentals for Music Theatre, Collaborative Performance Making, Playwriting Studio, Acting Shakespeare, and Dramaturgy. His professional engagement includes significant roles as Literary Manager and Resident Dramaturg at Griffin Theatre Company (2003-2008), Artistic Directorate Member at Darlinghurst Theatre Company (2008-2011), and Programming/Development Dramaturg at Riverside Theatres Parramatta (2006-2011).
Hurrell leads the internationally renowned Flinders University Drama Centre, where he oversees professional actor training while maintaining active connections with the professional theatre industry through his directing work and collaborations with leading Australian playwrights.
