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| Ruth Cracknell AM Founding Patron of CentreStage |
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| On Monday 13 May, Australia lost one of its most distinguished and versatile actors, Ruth Cracknell, aged 76. Spanning a career of 56 years in radio, stage and screen, Ruth Cracknell was an essential contributor to Australia's arts and entertainment history. With glowing achievements in radio, theatre and television, Ruth Cracknell has performed many great roles in works such as King Lear, The Tempest, King Oedipus, Spider and Rose, Lilian's Story, Emerald City, The Importance of Being Earnest and Nicholas Nickleby. It was as the ever-popular Maggie Beare in ABC's Mother and Son that Ruth Cracknell established herself as a national icon. Last year she accepted the James Cassius Award for outstanding contribution to the performing arts, and was the first woman to be inducted into the Gold Logie Hall of Fame. In 1980, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to the Arts and was recently named by Australia's National Trust among its list of 100 Living National Treasures. Ms Cracknell has had a strong connection with Theatre Nepean, supporting the development of up-and-coming young actors. She was awarded a Doctor of Letters from the University of Western Sydney in April 2000 and has been the Patron of CentreStage since its foundation in 1997. Having Ruth Cracknell as our CentreStage Patron has been an immense honour. Here dedication to the nurturing and development of young performers has helped to enrich the experience of Theatre Nepean students over recent years. She was indeed the Dame of Australian Theatre - an intelligent, graceful, charming and witty woman. CentreStage is eternally grateful for Ms Cracknell's patronage and support over the years. She has been an inspiration to us all through her talent, professionalism and commitment to Australian theatre and will be dearly missed. Luke Rogers CentreStage 2002 Manager |