Acclaimed Australian actress Robyn Nevin has recently been establishing off-stage credentials as the artisitic director of the Queensland Theatre Company. Once considered a contender for the role of Norma Desmond in the Australian production of Sunset Boulevard, Nevin is once again the centre of speculation regarding another upcoming prestigious position.

Long frustrated by the QTC's lack of resources, Nevin is believed to be considered a possible replacement for the Melbourne Theatre Company's current director Roger Hodgman, when he leaves. Over the years Nevin has worked in many of he company's most successful productions, including Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and is considered a box-office draw among theatre-goers. In fact she has combined her administrative duties at QTC with performances in Master Class and Amy's View during the last year.

Since entering the National Institute of Dramatic Arts forty years ago as one of its first students, Nevin's career has successfully ranged from stage to film (Careful He Might Hear You) and television (the mini-series Water Under the Bridge). Although not known as a musical performer, the prospect of casting Nevin as Norma in Sunset generated great interest before Debra Byrne eventually landed the role.

Nevin's contribution to the arts was recently recognised with the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award, a $25,000 grant, bestowed for the integrity and distinction of her commitment to the industry.

--By Russell Watson
Australia Correspondent