The 2021 Performing Arts WA Awards, which are hosted by Artist Relief Fund WA, were announced last night in a ceremony held at the State Theatre Centre of WA. The winners, across 34 awards, included Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s Hecate, West Australian Opera’s Cosi Fan Tutte, and Black Swan State Theatre Company’s Oklahoma!.

Hecate, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company. Photo © Dana Weeks

“We congratulate our worthy winners and salute the whole sector for its courage and compassion,” said Artist Relief Fund WA Secretary Nick Maclaine.

Hecate – a retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, performed entirely in Noongar – was the big winner of the night, taking home eight awards. The production from Yirra Yaakin, one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal performing arts organisations, presented in association with Bell Shakespeare, was named Best Mainstage Production and Best New Work, while Kylie Bracknell was awarded Best Direction of a Mainstage Production. The production also received acting awards for cast members Della Rae Morrison and Kyle J Morrison, while Cezera Critti-Schnaars was named Best Newcomer. Dr Clint Bracknell won Best Composition or Arranging, and Mark Howett...