ISAAC DRANDIć

Isaac Drandić is an award-winning theatre-maker and one of Australia’s
leading voices in contemporary First Nations performance. A Noongar man
from the south-west of Western Australia, he is nationally recognised for his
work as a director, dramaturg, actor and playwright, and for his leadership in
the development of new First Nations works across the country. He currently
serves as Head of First Nations Theatre at Queensland Theatre, following
significant appointments as Associate Artistic Director/Resident Dramaturg at
Queensland Theatre, Resident Artist at Playwriting Australia, and Associate
Director at ILBIJERRI Theatre Company.
Isaac’s directing and dramaturgy credits span mainstage companies and
major festivals, including Dear Son (Queensland Theatre/State Theatre
Company South Australia), Dear Brother (Queensland Theatre), 37
(Queensland Theatre/Melbourne Theatre Company), The Visitors (Victorian
Opera), The Season and Hide the Dog (Performing Lines), At What Cost?
and Coranderrk (Belvoir), City of Gold (Queensland Theatre/Griffin Theatre
Company), Blood on the Dance Floor (ILBIJERRI), Bigger and Blacker,
From Darkness (La Boite), From Campfire to Stage Light (JUTE), and codirecting Archie Roach’s acclaimed concert work Into the Bloodstream. As
a playwright, Isaac’s plays for children have toured extensively to remote
communities including Pormpuraaw, Mornington Island, Camooweal and
Normanton, reaching more than 20,000 young people. Isaac’s accolades
include multiple Green Room Awards, including Best Direction and Best
Production for The Season, and Matilda Awards for Best Direction and Best
Production for 37. He remains dedicated to culturally informed storytelling,
community engagement, and the mentorship of emerging First Nations
writers and creatives, bringing powerful, place-rooted stories to stages and
communities across Australia.