Wednesday luncheon #5085 with Petra Kalive, Artistic Director State Theatre Company SA

This week lunch meeting will be held on Wednesday 12.30pm for 1.00pm at the... Gil Langley Room, Level 4, Riverbank Stand, Adelaide Oval, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide

Please book on our website by Monday February 9 12am to secure your place! Welcome Desk payment by Card only!

Guest Speaker Petra Kalive, Artistic Director State Theatre Company South Australia

A passionate advocate for inclusion, Petra has an unwavering commitment to championing diverse voices. As Associate Director of Melbourne Theatre Company, she fostered dialogues across different audiences with unique and surprising stories. As Artistic Director of Union House Theatre at Melbourne University, she guided emerging artists, supporting them as they embarked on careers in the performing arts. Her collaborative approach also shone as co-Artistic Director of Melbourne Playback Theatre Company, where she led a team, harnessing personal stories as a catalyst for community connection.

Petra has also directed and supported the development of work for Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir St Theatre, Arena Theatre Company, Complete Works Theatre Company, St Martins Youth Arts Centre, and La Trobe, Monash & Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) university performing arts programs. 

Petra has a Masters of Directorial Practice from the Victorian College of the Arts, graduated as an actor for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and has a Graduate Certificate in the teaching of Shakespeare (RSC/UniMelb). In 2023 she undertook her Churchill Fellowship, which allowed her to explore and work with companies engaged in community-engaged theatre in professional settings the US, UK, and Chile.

Come meet Petra Kalive, Artistic Director of State Theatre Company South Australia, as she shares insights into the bold and imaginative 2026 season. Petra will take us behind the scenes on how she curates a year of theatre that reflects our world — from provocative contemporary writing and reimagined classics to powerful new Australian stories and First Nations voices.

In this talk, Petra will discuss what makes the 2026 season uniquely vibrant and why she truly believes it’s the best job in Australia — connecting artists and audiences through stories that surprise, challenge, and uplift us. This season marks Petra’s first full year as Artistic Director — a milestone that celebrates diversity, daring work, and deep connection to community.

Whether you’re a theatre lover or curious about creative leadership, this talk promises insight, laughter, and the joy of great storytelling.

Don't forget to give to the Virtual Community Bowl this week by clicking on...  Community Projects Appeal

Please note the venue - Gil Langley Room, Level 4, Riverbank Stand, Adelaide Oval, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide