Matthew Lutton OAM, renowned for his transformative leadership at Melbourne's Malthouse Theatre, has been announced as the new Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival, set to lead the prestigious event from 2026 to 2028. The Adelaide Festival Corporation Board's decision follows an extensive global search, highlighting the significant interest in this pivotal role within Australia's cultural landscape.
Lutton's appointment marks a new chapter for the Adelaide Festival, Australia's premier international arts festival. His nine-year tenure as Artistic Director and co-CEO of Malthouse Theatre saw the institution flourish as a hub for innovative theatre, opera, and dance. Lutton's ability to reinterpret classic works and bring visionary worlds to life has garnered critical acclaim, making him a fitting successor to outgoing Artistic Director Brett Sheehy AO.
"It is an extraordinary honour to be the next Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival. As Australia’s premier international festival, it holds an astonishing artistic legacy. It is a festival renowned for large-scale international theatre, opera, dance, and music that can only be experienced in Adelaide, it launches daring new commissions that unite Australian and global artists, and it brings to life outdoor spectacles that astonish thousands. The Adelaide Festival truly is a national event in the ‘Festival State’ and I am thrilled to lead the festival into its next chapter," Lutton stated, ahead of his move to Adelaide.
His extensive directing credits speak to his diverse artistic range. From the critically acclaimed stage adaptation of "Picnic at Hanging Rock," which toured Edinburgh and London, to the immersive theatre experience "Because the Night," created during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lutton has consistently pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. His co-direction of the large-scale First Nations work, "The Return," alongside Yora Yora director Jason Tamiru, further showcases his commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling.
His passion for opera, a cornerstone of the Adelaide Festival, is evident in his impressive portfolio. Lutton's opera directing credits include productions for the Bavarian State Opera, Opera Australia, West Australian Opera, and New Zealand Opera, demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences with grand-scale performances.
Adelaide Festival Chair, Tracey Whiting AM, expressed her delight at Lutton's appointment, stating, "Matthew’s visionary leadership at Malthouse Theatre, along with his profound understanding of contemporary performing arts, will ensure that Adelaide Festival continues to thrive as one of the world’s most respected and prestigious arts festivals."
Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels MP echoed this sentiment, congratulating Lutton and expressing her anticipation for his vision for the festival.
Lutton's international collaborations, including partnerships with the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, the Lyric Hammersmith in London, and the Barbican, highlight his commitment to elevating Australian creatives on the global stage. This international perspective will undoubtedly enrich the Adelaide Festival's future programs, ensuring its continued relevance as a leading international arts event.