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David Berthold is one of Australia’s most prominent theatre directors. He was Artistic Director of Sydney’s Griffin Theatre Company between 2003 and 2006, transforming it into one of the nation’s most visible and successful arts companies. He was also Artistic Director of the Australian Theatre for Young People (1999-2003), Associate Director of Sydney Theatre Company (1994-99), and Artistic Associate of the Queensland Theatre Company (1991-94).

Berthold’s recent productions include Tommy Murphy’s Saturn’s Return for Sydney Theatre Company, all three plays in Louis Nowra’s new Boyce Trilogy, Debra Oswald’s The Peach Season, and the landmark production for Griffin of Murphy’s multi-award winning adaptation of Holding the Man.

In 1992 he won a Matilda Award for his Contribution to Theatre in Queensland and in 1993 served on the Queensland Government's Arts Advisory Committee.

Brisbane's La Boite Theatre Company has appointed David Berthold (see left) as its new Artistic Director and CEO.

He will announce the company's complete 2009 season on 29 January, but a taste has been provided of what subscribers can look forward to.

In February-March, La Boite will produce The White Earth, from the Miles-Franklin-award-winning novel by Andrew McGahan.

It presents a unique opportunity for theatre ... a vast, sweeping saga that is deeply embedded in the history of colonial Australia and yet a story that compellingly addresses the issues of identity and reconciliation preoccupying contemporary Australian debate.

The Peach Season, by Debra Oswald, premiered at Griffin Theatre Company in 2006. This new production by La Boite Theatre Company will be performed at the Roundhouse Theatre, Brisbane, in April-May 2009.

It is a moving play set on a peach farm in the height of summer. Desperate for pickers the mother reluctantly welcomes two strangers, a brother and sister, onto her property to help with the booming harvest.

The safe haven, that she has spent years creating for herself and her teenage daughter, is suddenly turned upside down through first love, the desire to protect the people we love and the powerful love between a mother and daughter.

In June-July, Walking By Apple Tree Creek, by Ian Brown, will embark on a five-week national tour including Queensland, NSW and Victoria, featuring the original cast of Carol Burns and Bob Newman.

Join Del and Stan, two Aussie battlers, in their Winnebago, as their ultimate Australian adventure draws to an unexpected end. This tender, provoking and refreshingly amusing journey will have you walking down your own memory lane. Jump on board and strap yourself in for a funny yet deeply moving Australian tale. A rare gem.

La Boite Theatre Company and Critical Stages will present The Kursk, by Sasha Janowicz, in September.

Despite the condition of their ill-maintained fleet, the Russian Navy undertook a major naval excercise in August 2000. After launching a torpedo the nuclear submarine, The Kursk, vanished. Russia suspected foul play by America and so began a dangerous political game while the trapped survivors waited desperately to be rescued. This extraordinary and inspired play is the true and human story behind the ill-fated Kursk, an inspiring true story of hope, courage and love.

*Based on a media release issued by La Boite Theatre Company