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Résumé

JOHN SENCZUK is a NIDA graduate, stage designer/director and theatre polymath whose career spans over thirty years in music theatre, dance and drama. He has worked concurrently as an academic, and spent fifteen years at the Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Wollongong creating and teaching courses in scenography and dramaturgy before positions at Toi Whakaari, New Zealand Drama School, and at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts as head of design and program director (production, design and arts management). In 1985 he was chair of Griffin Theatre Company and appointed its first artistic director; he was founding chair of Paul Mercurio’s Australian Choreographic Ensemble and also sat on the boards of Theatre South, Currency House, Dramaturgical Services Inc., the Seymour Group and Matt Lutton’s ThinIce. For ten years, from 1989, he was associate director of Wollongong’s Theatre South where he worked as director/designer. He has also directed freelance in drama, opera and musicals: Bony Anderson (Seymour Group); Flesh and Blood (Festival of Sydney); Irene (with Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds,) and the premieres of David Williamson’s When Dad Married Fury, Justin Fleming’s Kangaroo and John Aitken’s The Enchanters. Highlights as a designer include L’Orfeo (Oslo Summer Festival, conducted by Andrew Parrott) and Sons of Cain (Theatre of Comedy, London). He has collaborated on over twenty productions for the Sydney Theatre Company, including the Australian premiere of Into the Woods and Dead White Males. As a writer, his commissions include HOME GROUND: The State of Origin Musical (HG Limited); The Valley Burns (Brisbane Powerhouse); A Coward in Vegas (Mirage); Middle Kingdom Ballroom (ATYP); the musical Time, Gentlemen! (Theatre South); and, with Gale Edwards, the musical Eureka!. His produced plays include: The Sugar Mother (Sydney Opera House Trust); Prophesying Backwards (FCA); Two Old Queens (Mirage); and the country musical (with Brendon Walmsley) Rose and Rodeo (Empire Theatre). He has written widely on Australian drama, dramaturgy and scenography. Contributions to books include ‘History of Australian Scenography’ in Encyclopaedia of World Theatre, Routledge (1999); designer entries in Concise Companion to Australian Theatre, Currency Press (1997); ‘The DSI Shakespeare experiments’ in O Brave New World: Two Centuries of Shakespeare on the Australian Stage, Currency Press (2000). As editor of the boutique publishing house Esson Press, he published over fifteen new and heritage Australian plays, as well as translations of classic texts. His Currency House Platrform Paper 42: “The Time is Ripe for the Great Australian Musical” was launched in February 2015 and has been remarkably influential subsequently in building a public debate on the sector. Gale Edwards wrote that the publication “was the most intelligent clarion call on behalf of the Australian musical ever writtern. Currency House has also commissioned a history of Scenography in Australia for publication in 2018.

‘An integral part of the Australian Theatre scene, John’s talent lies in his versatility. He combines the intelligence which makes him a good academic and the creative imagination which lies behind all his work in theatre.‘ Des Davis OAM Artistic Director, Theatre South (in Holland, Megan, John Senczuk’s Contribution to the Australian Arts, 1997)

John Senczuk

John Senczuk • Janus Entertainment • senczuk@bigpond.com • 0407 800343 • www.janusentertainment.com.au

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• Freelance: Dramaturg, Brisbane Powerhouse; author Currency House Platform Paper Quarterly Essay “The Time is Ripe for the Great Australian Musical”; writing commission “The History of Scenography in Australia” (Currency House); launch “Dramaturgy Australia” Website (funded by Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award; founding artistic director Duck Creeek Mountain Theatre, Alstonville; HOME GROUND musical commission.• Freelance: Director/Designer; Consultancy: major academic review of all programs Toi Whakaari, New Zea-land Drama School; panel member, Victoria University, to review co-Delivery of Masters program (Directing); relocated from Perth to Alstonville, NSW. Retired from the Academy. • Freelance: Archivist, the Peter Cowan Papers, Peter Cowan Writers’ Centre; Script editor Freedom, American Independent Film starring Cuba Gooding (Production One, New York)• Freelance research, consultancy & teaching; creative writing, directing & design projectsDirector, Janus Entertainment Producer (over 20 productions nationally; including theatre, dance, recitals & exhibitions) Director (over 80 productions nationally; including over 30 premieres) Designer (over 300 productions nationally and internationally in drama, dance and music theatre) Playwright (over 12 original and produced playscripts and musicals ) and Screenwriter Dramaturg & Script Editor (including work with David Williamson, Nick Enright and Justin Fleming) Publisher (over 10 monographs; editor and graphic design) Curator (Exhibitions nationally and internationally) • Founding Artistic Director, Metcalfe Playhouse: Established new Perth CBD Performance venue; produced nine productions; developed audience base of 2500.• Executive Producer – Events, MS WA: Produced, directed and designed major musicals and introduced Pantomime into fundraising repertoire; created and/or produced various fundraising events (12 Hour Swim for MS; BikeRide for MS; Step-Up for MS; Dinner Auction etc)• General Manager, Buzz Dance Theatre: General and production administration; funding applications and acquittals; sponsorship drive (raising in excess of $90,000); media and marketing coordination• Retired from University Sector• Program Director, Production, Design & Arts Management, WAAPA: Administration of six educational streams within the school; curriculum and course development and monitoring; supervision of over thirty full time, and 25 sessional staff per annum; produced over 30 productions annually; developed and administered Program and Production Budgets; sat on School, Faculty and University committees; liaised with media; School and University Community Engagement; engaged in full VET course revision and review, earning “Centre of Excellence” rating at Audit• Senior Lecturer, Head of Design, WAAPA: Course administration; supervision of 4 full time, and 12 sessional staff per annum; complete review of VET course structure and assessment; developed Degree Course in Design for Stage and Screen• Consultancy: Degree Monitor, Te Kura Toi Whakaari, Wellington, New Zealand. Developed and, on behalf of New Zealanad Qualifications Authority, monitored new Design for Theatre and Screen Degree program; annual monitor for entire school academic program (NZQA)• Consultant/Senior Tutor, Te Kura toi Whakaari, Nz Drama School: Academic teachingResigned from University of Wollongong to take up 12 month creative writing commission (Eureka!) followed by Consultancy contract with Toi Whakaari, New Zealand Drama School• Founding Artistic Director, Square Brackets [THEATRE]: Post Graduate supervision• Visiting Fellow, Australian Studies Centre, Madras University, India • Associate Artistic Director, Theatre South: Repertoire development; arts administration, including grant application and acquittal; liaison with funding agencies at State and Federal level; liaison with media and other stakeholders; casting, production; subscription, box office and front of house management• Lecturer, Faculty of Creative Arts [including Head of Program], University of Wollongong: Course development and administration; supervision of 3 full time, and 8 sessional staff per annum; program administration, including time-tabling, budget development, assessment and production activity• Resident Designer/Dramaturg, Sydney Theatre Company• Artistic Director, Arts in the Ranges Project, NSW Ministry for the Arts: Director of workshop program; supervision of 5 staff• Associate National Co-ordinator [to Wendy Blacklock], National Arts Week: Event co-ordination and administration nationally; liaison with media, government and arts agencies• Freelance Designer; Directing, NIDA (Audit)• Diploma (Design), NIDA

Employment History2015-17

2014

2013

1983-2016

2011

2009-11

2008-09

20082004-07

2004-07

2005-14

2004

200320001990-1997

1989-2004

1989-19981988

1987

19841981-83

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2016-17*HOME GROUND: The State of Origin Musicl, Senczuk/Cunniffe,HGProductions, ERPAC

2015*REMNANTS, John Senczuk, Duck Creek Mountain Theatre, Alstonville Entertainment Centre*ROSE AND RODEO, John Senczuk & Brendon Walmsley, Empire Theatre, ToowoombaSWEET CHARITY, Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields &Neil Simon, West Moreton Anglican College

2014THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Empire Theatre, Toowoomba

2012* MADAME BALLET, John Aitken, Janus Entertainment, Studio Underground STCWAOLIVER!, Lionel Bart, IWF, Regal Theatre

2011BLOOD BROTHERS, Willy Russell, Janus Entertainment, Metcalfe PlayhouseTHE SUGAR MOTHER, Senczuk/Elizabeth Jolley, Janus Entertainment, Mecalfe Playhouse*WHEN DAD MARRIED FURY, David Williamson, Janus Entertainment, Metcalfe PlayhouseTHE ENCHANTERS, John Aitken, Prickley Pear Ensemble, Heath Ledger Theatre STCWA*CHOOSING PARADISE, Vivien Glance, Blue Roomher holiness, Justin Flemin/Mel Morrow, Janus Entertainment, Metcalf Playhouse, Regional tour

2010ORFEO Tales of the Baroque, Monteverdi, Music Department, Callaway Auditorium UWAOKLAHOMA!, Rodgers & Hammerstein, IAJ, Mandurah PAC/His Majesty’s, PerthR&J, John Aitken, Prickly Pear, Blue roomPUSS IN BOOTS, John Senczuk, MSWA PlayhouseTHE SOUND OF MUSIC, Rodgers & Hammerstein, MSWA, Regal TheatreTHE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, Carlo Goldoni – Stage Door Youth Theatre

2010THE ENCHANTERS, John Aitkins, [Dramaturgy & reading], Blue RoomLES MISÉRABLES, Schönberg/Boublil, MSWA, Regal Theatre

2009*NOEL AT NOEL Swinbank/Cunniffe, New End Theatre, Hampstead, London

2008*AFRICAN QUEEN Senczuk/Cunniffe, BlueRoomIRENE Wheler/Stein/Tierney/McCarthy, Peach Productions, His Majesty’s Theatre

2007*A COWARD IN VEGAS John Senczuk Mirage Makers/Old Mill Theatre*TWO OLD QUEENS John Senczuk Mirage Makers/Blue Room, National Tour

2006ANNIE GET YOUR GUN Berlin/Fields, Peach Productions, His Majesty’s Theatre, PerthMORNING MELODIES Senczuk Peach Productions, His Majesty’s Theatre Perth

Creative CVDirectorial Credits *World Premiere #Australian Premiere

‘Irene is a delight from start to finish … deliciously presented … fresh and relevant.’ Ron Banks, The West Australian Irene

‘The most complete, satisfying and theatrically sophisticated solutions are presented in Brian Castro’s Secrets [directed by John Senczuk]. It is a witty, bitter and excoriating portrait; a consummate piece of story-telling from writer and actor that skilfully manoeuvres characters through time, place and action, bringing the past to life in the present.’ Bob Evans, The Sydney Morning Herald Brian Castor’s Secrets, in Flesh and Blood

‘Louis Esson’s 1912 comedy of manners, The Time is Not Yet Ripe, is vigorously revived by Theatre South. Directed [and designed] by John Senczuk, this is a lively, visually stylish production that has much to say about both the theatre and the politics of 1912 Australia.’ Pamela Payne, The Sun-Herald Louis Esson’s, The Time is Not Yet Ripe

‘... a simply brilliant performance. ... John Senczuk’s direction removed this piece from its convict setting and placed it in the hospital bed of a sadly disturbed patient. As well as eliminating the more obvious colonial clichés, it gave the confinement theme a dramatic twist.’ Peter McCallum, The Sydney Morning Herald Barry Conyngham’s Bony Anderson

‘What makes this production of Twelfth Night [directed by John Senczuk] stand out is the masterful blending of playfulness and sincerity while retaining the integrity of the piece.’ The Illawarra Mercury Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

‘This stellar performance of Les Misérables by an all-West Australian cast was enough to make one proud to be a West Australian.’ Australian Stage Schönberg/Boublil’s Les Misérables

Directorial Projects prior to 2006 include:Eighteen productions for Theatre South, including Hamlet, Twelfth Night, The Christian Brother, Sleuth, The Time is Not Yet Ripe, and After DinnerOver thirty student productions for Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Wollongong, Wesley Institute, ACTT, Theatre Nepean including plays by Goldoni, Massinger and over half of Shakespeare’s canon (includingTimon of Athens, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Comedy of Errors), numerous Australian plays and group devised work.Other notable productions include the award winning The Magic Flute (Hunter Opera), Bony Anderson (Seymour Group), and Flesh and Blood (Sydney Festival).

Writing CreditsScreenFREEDOM - Feature Film (starring Cuba Gooding ) [Production One/Heritage Films]; 1914LATE HARVEST - Feature Film (Commissioned Treatment) [Jim Crone & Paul Sonntag]; 2013QUEEN OF CRIME: NGAIO MARSH - Docudrama [Seannanchie Productions]; NZTV, 2012DIL CHAHTA HAI- Bollywood Feature Film [Excel Entertainmentr]; [wrote, designed, directed, produced 8 minutes of screen time], 2001

Stage/Musical CommissionsHOME GROUND: The State of Origin Musicl - (Commission), HG Productions, 2016-17THE VALLEY BURNS - (Musical Commission) based on the books by Matt Condon, Brisbane Powerhouse ,2015-16REMANTS - (Commission) based on the life of WWII nurse Jessie Blanche; Alstonville, July 2015PUSS IN BOOTS - Pantomime [MSWA]; Perth Playhouse, 2010TWO OLD QUEENS - Play with music [Mirage Makers]; Blue Room, 2007 A COWARD IN VEGAS - Play with music [Mirage Makers]; Old Mill Theatre, 2007CAROLINE O’CONNOR: A JUDY GARLAND TRIBUTE - Taronga Park Concert; MD Michael TyackEUREKA! - Musical, Book and lyrics; [Essgee]; Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne 2004THE LADY’S NOT FOR TOUCHING! - Dramatic Recital, Sydney Writers’ Festival 2004 THE SUGAR MOTHER - Adapted from the fiction of Elizabeth Jolley [Sydney Opera House], 1993LUSH - A biographical Cabaret for JULIE ANTHONY; Wharf Theatre, 1998; Studio SOH, 1999TIME, GENTLEMEN! - Musical, Book and lyrics [Theatre South]; Bridge Theatre, 1994

AWG Membership 13567

‘Eureka [has] every chance of striking the mother lode of hit status. ... The book by Gale Edwards and John Senczuk sketches the miners’ revolt against crippling licence fees in big, bold strokes and moves at a cracking pace. Jim Murphy, The Age Eureka: The Musical

‘Time, Gentlemen! [book and lyrics by John Senczuk] ... is a rumbustious, new Australian musical ... happy hearty of entertainment - a substantial achievement.’ Pamela Payne, The Sun-Herald John Senczuk, Time, Gentlemen!

‘Senczuk’s script is impressive.’ Varnya Bromilow, Post A Coward in Vegas

Other produced work includes ROSE AND RODEO (country musical); AFRICAN QUEEN (opera); PROPHESYING BACKWARDS; MIDDLE KINGDON BALLROOM

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Current Projects in DevelopmentCOOK: THE INSANE LABYRINTH - Opera . Based on James Cook’s response to the wreck of the Endeavour in 1770 off Northern QueenslandPAPERBOOK HERO - Musical adaptation of Tony Bowman’s novel and feature film.THE CHEVALIER NOVERRE - Three one act dance-dramas; episodes in the life of choreographer Jean Georges Noverre NIGHT ON NANKING ROAD - Musical set in Shanghai in 1936; based around the life and associations of Victor SasoonFASHION STAKES - Screenplay, Romantic Comedy.

ScreenDIL CHATA HAI- Bollywood Feature Film [Excel Entertainment]; [wrote, designed, directed, produced 8 minutes of screen time], 2001ENVY - Conceived, directed and choreographed by PAUL MERCURIO, 1992

International*NOEL AT NOEL Swinbank/Cunniffe – [New End Theatre, London], 2007*END OF THE RAINBOW John Quilter – (Playhouse, Sydney Opera House; Playhouse, Victorian Art’s Centre; Theatre Royal Sydney; Edinburgh Festival), 2006BOSTON MARRIAGE David Mamet – [Downstage Theatre, Wellington NZ], 2004SMALL LIVES/BIG DREAMS Anne Bogart – [Toi Whakaari, Wellington NZ], 2004WEDNESDAY TO COME Renée – [Downstage Theatre, Wellington NZ],2004L’ORFEO Monteverdi - Conductor: ANDREW PARROTT [Oslo Summer Opera, Norway], 1992ON TOP OF THE WORLD Michael Gow - [Warehouse Theatre, London], 1992*CARLOS Faye Montgomery - [Japan Youth Theatre Festival], 1993SONS OF CAIN David Williamson - [Wyndham’s Theatre, London], 1985

Event DesignSYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 25TH ANNIVERSARY PAGEANT – (Sydney Opera House Trust), 1998CITY OF SYDNEY NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS [Sydney Harbour; 11 site specific venues] City of Sydney), 2005

Commercial*THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - [Empire Theatre, Toowoomba], 2014*THE ENCHANTERS John Aitkens - [Prickly Pear Productions] - Heath Ledger Theatre, 2011*WHEN DAD MARRIED FURY David Williamson - [Metcalfe Playhouse], 2011*A COWARD IN VEGAS John Senczuk – [Mirage Makers], 2007*TWO OLD QUEENS John Senczuk – [Mirage Makers/Blue Room], 2008BARRY HUMPHRIES’ “BACK WITH A VENGEANCE” [costumes] – [EdnaCare Productions], 2006#ALONE IT STANDS John Breen - [The Ross Mollison Group] SOH + NZ tour, 2002*SATANGO Stewart d’Arietta/Justin Fleming – [The Ross Mollison Group], 2004#I’M NOT RAPPAPORT Herb Gardiner - [Garry Penny Productions] SOH Playhouse, 1987#BILOXI BLUES Neil Simon - [Garry Penny Productions] SOH Playhouse, 1987

Sydney Theatre Company*LUSH Wayne Harrison/John Senczuk/Julie Anthony - [Wharf Theatre], 1998#AMY’S VIEW David Hare - [Drama Theatre, SOH], 1998*HERETIC David Williamson - [National Tour], 1996*DEAD WHITE MALES David Williamson - [National Tour], 1995#INTO THE WOODS Stephen Sondheim - [Drama Theatre, SOH], 1993#SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION John Guerre - [Drama Theatre, SOH], 1992MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING William Shakespeare - [Drama Theatre, SOH], 1992ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA William Shakespeare - [Pier, STC], 1992#SHADOWLANDS William NIcholson - [Drama Theatre, SOH], 1991A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Stephen Sondheim - [Drama Theatre, SOH], 1991

Design Credits *World Premiere #Australian Premiere

‘[The design] is put together by John Senczuk to whom I think this production owes a very great deal.’ John West, The Showman, ABC Radio Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods

‘I thought it was absolutely sensational. ... It’s a very complex set but a wonderful set. You can just go and see it and just marvel at what is happening there on stage apart from the performers ...’ Kevin Sadlier, 2GB Setphen Sondheim’s Into the Woods

‘After a few years with their music drama in hibernation Oslo Sommeropera has been resurrected - and their new production is an immediate success. ... It was the Monteverdi expert Andrew Parrot who was at the helm. ... John Senczuk seemed to have a magic touch with the ... design. [He] used the Logen’s intimate, appropriate scale to give us exactly the courtly feel of the venue it was originally written for.’ Jarl Søraa, VG, Oslo, Norway Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo

‘They rarely miss a trick in this production and, for me, the thrill started with John Senczuk’s seemingly simple set, its emptiness eager for action. Its outstanding qualities unfold as does the play.’ Frank Gauntlett, Daily Telegraph Mirror Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing

‘A love story of our times ... a compelling night at the Wharf, a really electrifying exploration directed with sensitivity and assurance by Harrison. And exquisitely designed by John Senczuk. Thought provoking, thoroughly engrossing, exciting and superbly executed.’ Frank Gauntlett, Daily Telegraph Mirror Lanford Wilson’s Burn This

‘Top Work … the actors are treated to stunning costumes by John Senczuk’.’ Lynne Freeman, Capital Times David Mamet, Boston Marriage

Scholarly WritingA History of Scenography in Australia, Currency Press [publication 2018] Dramaturgy Australia [Website resource], July 2016Currency House Platform Paper 42: “The Time Is Ripe for the Great Australian Musical”, 2015[Conference Paper] ‘Brian Thomson: Wizard of Oz’, Prague Quadrennial, 2006‘History of Australian Scenography’ [essay], Encyclopaedia of World Theatre, Routledge, 1999[Designer entries], Concise Companion to Australian Theatre, Currency Press, 1997‘The DSI Shakespeare experiments’ [chapter], ‘O Brave New World’, Two Centuries of Shakespeare on the Australian Stage, Currency Press 2000[Conference Paper] ‘Editing Australian Heritage Drama,’ FCA Colloquium, 1999 [Conference Paper] ‘A response to Dennis Strand’s, Research in the Creative Arts,’ The Scholar and the Stage, 1998[Conference Paper] A symposium on Research in Theatre Studies, 1998

Editing‘Restless Giant: Changing Cultural Values in Regional Australia’, Linday Hume, Currency House Platform Paper 50‘The Lighting Designer: What Is Good Lighting’, Nigel Levings, Currency House Platform Paper 49‘The Designer: Decorator or Dramaturg’, Stephen Curtis, Currency House Platform Paper 46‘HomeComing: Peter Cowan Writers Centre 20 year anniversary’, PCWC

DramaturgyJohn created the first undergraduate three-year course in dramaturgy at the Unviersity of Wollongong. He has created similar course at Toi Whakaari and WAAPA. As a dramaturg hehas provided advice to many writers including David Williamson, Noel Hodda, Ray Lawler, Alex Buzo, Campion Decent, Wendy Richardson, Justin Fleming, Jill Shearer, Vanessa Badham, John Quilter and John Aitken.He provided written assessments on drama scripts and musicals for the Australian Playwrites’ Centre, Kookaburra, Stages WA and the creative writing program in the Faculty of Creative Arts. He was also script assessor and editor for Serendipity Films (Sally Ayre-Smith).He provided full dramaturgy packages for over sixty productions.With the support of the Rodney Seaborn Playwright Support Fund John has established the free access website Dramaturgy Australia to be launche in July 2016.

www.dramaturgyaustralia.com.au

In a career that has encompassed over two hundred productions nationally and internationally his other significant design commissions include:Over thirty productions for Theatre South, including Mother Courage, Richard III, The Man from Mukinupin, The Cherry Orchard, Tom Jones.A range of dance/movement pieces: Kim Walker’s Monkey See and Paul Mercurios Edgeing (Sydney Dance Company); Paul Mercurio’s Contact, Imprint, Envy and Waiting for his Australian Choreographic Ensemble. As a member of the Griffin Theatre Company (where he was Chair) he contributed to a number of productions: Slippery When Wet, King Roger, Us or Them (tour), Hanging Together and Border Country.

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Portfolio

TrainingDiploma (Design), NIDA 1983Audit (Directing), NIDA 1984

Production Design, AFRTS 2006Screenwriting, AFTRS 2014

MembershipAustralian Writers’ Guild

Australian Production Designers Association

AwardsShortlisted (Rose and Rodeo), New Musicals Australia 2016

Shortlisted (A Country Mile) Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award 2013Rodney Seaborne Playwright’s Trust Grant Award [Dramaturgy Australia] 2015

Musical Production of the Year(Into the Woods) Sydney Theatre Critics Award 1993Production of the Year (Into the Woods) Mo Awards 1993

Best Production (The Magic Flute) Conda Award 1988 Commonwealth Bank Production of the Year (The Magic Flute) Conda Award 1988

Best Direction (The Magic Flute) Conda Award 1988

NominationsBest Design (Lifex3) Equity Guild Awards, Perth 2008

Best Musical (Eureka) Helpmann Awards 2005Best Costume Design (Boston Marriage) Wellington, New Zealand 2005Best Design (Into the Woods) Sydney Theatre Critics Circle Award 1993

Best Design (Burn This and A Little Night Music) Sydney Theatre Critics Circle Award 1990

... his ability to make connections between many aspects of the theatre is his greatest asset. Katharine Brisbane (in Holland, Megan, John Senczuk’s Contribution to the Australian Arts, 1997)

John Senczuk

John Senczuk • Janus Entertainment • senczuk@bigpond.com • 0407 800343 • www.janusentertainment.com.au

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EUREKA The MusicalBook and Lyrics by John Senczuk & Gale Edwards

Music by Michael HarveyWorld Premiere

based on an idea by Maggie May GordonHis Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, 2004

"Eureka! offers pure gold"[Eureka!] is designedto please the widest possible audience and achieves its end handsomely. ... a thumping popular success. ... The book by Gale Edwards and John Senczuk sketches the miners' revolt against crippling licence fees in big, bold strokes and moves at a cracking pace ... it's as smooth and eyecatching as any big overseas musical. .... Eureka! fashions significant Australian history into a rousing contemporary entertainment, and does it well. Jim Murphy, The Age

Australian musical theatre has struck another rich lode in opening Melbourne’s Internatonal Arts Festival. With never a dull moment and leaving not a dry eye in the house, the creative team ... has excelled at making personal entanglements carry broader issues without trivialising either. ... This is a Eureka! for our times, wearing its black armband with dignity, never despair, pointing through how we once were to what we might make of ourselves. Humphrey McQueen, The Bulletin

Nominated Best Musical HELPMANN AWARDS 2005

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AFRICAN QUEENA CHAMBER OPERA

Libretto by John SenczukMusic by Tim Cunniffe

World Premierebased on the novella by CS Forester

Directed & Designed by John Senczuk Blue Room, 2008

Dolphin Theatre, 2009

... a beautifully paced piece that was intimate and moving. This evocatively characterized production felt very real ... we remained rapt in the story throughout. The romance of the story was beautifully conveyed, not only by the dynamics of the relationship but also by the tender and emotive score. ... This compact production is a great surprise in a small package, a low-key production that would be a perfect introduction to Opera. Kimberley Shaw, Stage Whispers

...dramatically gripping, musically assured production. ... a pioneering collaboration ... Chamber opera of this calibre has much to offer Perth; bring on some more. Rosalyn Appelby, The West Australian

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THE ENCHANTERSA Play by John Aitken

World PremiereDirected & Designed by John Senczuk

Dramaturgy by John SenczukHeath Ledger Theaatre

State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, 2011

... The Enchanters succeeds admirably to recreate the time and place. Director/designer John Senczuk’s set is marvelously adaptable ... [he] has his large all-male cast bustling about the stage at break-neck speed ... But perhaps the real deal we make with The Enchanters is a reaffirmation of our belief in live theatre - to never stop believing in the magic. Jan Hallam, The Sunday Times

It’s a ripping yarn, with cloak-and-daggery at court and lawyers, swords and money in the streets. … The Enchanters is well served by some strong performances. Nick Maclaine … gen-erally delivers a convincing portrayal of the ambitious, astute and masterful man Shakespeare undoubtedly was. … Director Senczuk [does] well to shepherd the large cast through Aitken’s wordy and complex text. ... Senczuk [has] produced a small tri-umph of design on what I’m sure was a tiny budget, delivering a clean and stylish look for the show, made even more effective by the spare khaki costumes that are both timeless and, tricked up a little here and there, pointed and evocative. David Zampatti, The West Australian

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Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSELL CROUSE

Suggested by “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers”

“The Sound of Music” is presented by permission of ORiGiN™ Theatrical

on behalf of R & H Theatricals: www.rnhtheatricals.com

Director/Designer - John Senczuk

Musical Director - Tim Cunniffe

Choreographer - Carolyn Sinnett

Assistant Director - Ian Toyne

Lighting Designer - Trent Suidgeest

Sound Designer - David Keys

Special guest appearance by Ann Adlem as the Mother Abbess

The MS Society of WA presents

All proceeds support people living with multiple sclerosis in WA

www.mswa.org.au

Regal Theatre

8-17 October

Bookings

1300 795 012 or

www.ticketek.com.au

(transaction fees apply)

THE SOUND OF MUSICby Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein

Directed & Designed by John SenczukThe Regal Theatre, 2010

Directed and designed by John Senczuk the performance was enjoyable, moving and memorable. ... At the end of the night I left with a tear in my eye, a spring in my step, beautiful visual images and some classic songs going around and around in my head. This is a great production, and I encourage everyone to see it. Anna Locke, Oz Stage

A big hearted, entertaining spectacle ... a show full of feeling. Varya Bromilow, The West Australian

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WHEN DAD MARRIED FURYA Play by David Williamson

World PremiereDirected & Designed by John Senczuk

Dramaturgy by John SenczukMetcalfe Playhouse, 2011

In an impressive coup, Perth’s newest theatre venue flung open its doors on Saturday night for the world premiere of David Williamson’s latest play When Dad Married Fury. … John Senczuk, the brains behind the new Metcalfe Playhouse in Northbridge’s refurbished IMAX cinema, managed to secure the rights to Williamson’s play after working with the acclaimed dramatist on previous productions. And it was only fitting that local theatre veteran Edgar Metcalfe should steal the show in the inaugural production at the venue named in his honour. Jay Hanna, The Sunday Times

Love him or loathe him - and there are plenty in each camp - David Williamson’s ability to generate the pleasurable sensation of recognition for his audience has kept him at the forefront of Australia’s playwrights for 40 years. … As you’d expect, there’s plenty of local interest and issues of the day in the mix. … The whole affair was managed by director and designer John Senczuk in a front-and-centre declamatory style that … allowed the text a clearly audible reading in a new theatre space. David Zampatti, The West Australian

2011 SEASON

July – December

World Premiere

David Williamson’s

WHEN DAD MARRIED FURY

22 July – 21 August

WA Premiere

Elizabeth Jolley’s

THE SUGAR MOTHER

adapted by John Senczuk

2- 18 September

MUSIC FROM THE

WHIRLWIND

by John Aitken

21 – 25 September

WA Premiere

Norman Linday’s

THE MAGIC

PUDDING

adapted by Andrew James

Music by Sarah de Jong

28 September – 8 October

THE RIVALS

by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

13 - 27 October

A COWARD IN VEGAS

by John Senczuk

With the music of Noel Coward

1 – 6 November

Willy Russell’s

BLOOD BROTHERS

with Amanda Muggleton

9 November – 4 December

World Premiere

THE LAKE STREET

REVUE 2011

by Alex Manfrin and Malcolm Dix

7 - 23 December

World Premiere

ALADDINA pantomime by Monica Main

9 – 23 December

FOR KIDS

FOR KIDS

BOOKINGS

9228 1455

or www.empyrean.net.au

22 July - 21 August

METCALFE PLAYHOUSE

12 Lake Street NORTHBRIDGE

WHEN DAD MARRIED

FURY

David Williamson’s

Director/Designer John Senczuk

Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest

Costume Designer Penny Mazzucchelli

Starring

Alinta Carroll

Corinne Davies

Richard Mellick

Jay Walsh

and Edgar Metcalfe

Set model

11John Senczuk’s set design works superbly, facilitating the sort of exemplary flow of the action from scene to scene which is so vital to the successful staging of any musical. The presentation of the giantess fated to be slain by Jack of beanstalk fame is a positive master stroke, first as an enormous pair of cardboard cutout legs and feet descending not quite to the knees from above the proscenium arch to crush those who are required to be crushed later in the form of bloodied face toppling onto the OP side of the stage. ... [Into the Woods] deserves every bit of the considerable success at the box office, which brought Standing Room Only signs almost from the word go. ... Whatever you do, don’t miss it. Bob Evans, Sydney Morning Herald

INTO THE WOODSby Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine

Australian Premiere Designed by John SenczukSydney Theatre Company

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, 1993

Mo Awards 1994 Musical Theatre Production of the Year

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Two men separated by 100 years are united in their search for freedom. In 1856 a slave, Samuel Woodward and his family, escape from the Monroe Plantation near Richmond, Virginia. A secret network of ordinary people known as the Underground Railroad guide the family on their journey north to Canada. They are relentlessly pursued by the notorious slave hunter Plimpton.Hunted like a dog and haunted by the unthinkable suffering he and his forbears have endured, Samuel is forced to decide between revenge or freedom. 100 years earlier in 1748, John Newton the Captain of a slave trader sails from Africa with a cargo of slaves, bound for America. On board is Samuel’s great grandfather whose survival is tied to the fate of Captain Newton.The voyage changes Newton’s life forever and he creates a legacy that will inspire Samuel and the lives of millions for generations to come.

Bringing to light the importance of the Underground Railroad in American History, the movie Freedom delivers a captivating true account of slavery and those who would defy the oppressors. With good performances all around, the use of music to help tell the anguish and able direction, the film is a must see. Not a film with a political agenda, Freedom shows the co-operation between races as they try to right a terrible wrong. ... Freedom has a heartfelt story that must be seen. Aced Magazine

... Both stories ran seamlessly together making for a story of inspiration, redemption and finding one’s faith in God and hope for a better future. ... I really enjoyed the film ... Everything about the film including the acting, settings and costumes were all fantastic. I recommend this to anyone who might be looking for a good drama to check out. videoviews.org

FREEDOMFEATURE FILM

Production One, New York/Heritage Films Directed by Timothy A. Chey

Directed by Peter CousensStory Editor; Script Editor; Additional Material by John Senczuk

2014

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CITY OF SYDNEY New Year’s Eve 2005/6‘Heart of the Harbour”

Creative Director: Wayne HarrisonConcept Development: John SenczukSite Design (5 venues): John Senczuk

Graphic Design: (logo and all print material: John SenczukAssociate Director: John Senczuk

Lord Mayor’s Party Sydney Opera HouseLord Mayor’s Picnic, Royal Botanic Gardens