Jason Klarwein facts for kids

Jason Klarwein (born around 1976) is an Australian actor, director, and producer. He is well-known for his work with the Grin & Tonic theatre troupe, where he is the artistic director.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Jason Klarwein was born around 1976. He started his professional acting career in 1996 with a play called The Glass Cage. From 1996 to 1999, he was a member of the Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre company.

In 2002, he joined the Queensland Theatre Company's Emerging Artists Program. This program helps new actors develop their skills. That same year, he won two Matilda Awards: one for being part of the program's acting group and another as the Best Emerging Actor. He went on to perform in many plays for the Queensland Theatre Company and La Boite Theatre Company.

Working Across Australia and Overseas

Klarwein later moved to work with other theatre companies. He performed in a play called Capricornia at the Belvoir in Sydney. The play's director was Wesley Enoch. This was the start of a long partnership. When Enoch later became the Artistic Director at the Queensland Theatre Company, Klarwein acted in many of his shows and also worked as a resident director.

In 2009, Klarwein was part of a Sydney Theatre Company production of A Streetcar Named Desire. This famous play was directed by Liv Ullmann and starred the well-known actress Cate Blanchett. The show was so successful that it toured to Washington and New York City in the United States.

From 2014 to 2015, Klarwein was a Resident Director at the Queensland Theatre Company, along with Andrea Moor. In 2017, he starred in the play Once in Royal David's City. For this role, he was nominated for a Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor.

Directing Important Stories

In 2017, Klarwein directed a new version of the play The 7 Stages of Grieving. This play was written over 20 years ago by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman, who are both Indigenous Australians. It explores the history and feelings of Indigenous people.

The new production starred Indigenous actress Chenoa Deemal. A review in The Australian newspaper praised the show, saying that Deemal's performance was "humble, decent and engaging." The review also said that Klarwein's direction made the play feel powerful and historic.

The Almeida Shakespeare Project

In 2007, Klarwein was chosen for a special project with London's famous Almeida Theatre. The project brought actors from the United Kingdom and Australia together to work on Shakespeare's plays. The director, Michael Attenborough, was an expert on Shakespeare.

Attenborough was impressed with Klarwein. Years later, in 2014, he came to Brisbane to direct a production of Macbeth. Klarwein played the main role of Macbeth. His performance was highly praised. One review said he and his co-star "dominated the stage." Another said he showed the character's strength and weakness with charisma.

Grin & Tonic Theatre Troupe

For over 15 years, Klarwein has been involved with the Grin & Tonic theatre troupe. This group travels around Queensland, performing fun and lively Shakespeare shows for students. They also create plays about topics that fit with the school curriculum.

In 2010, Klarwein became the Artistic Director of Grin & Tonic. The troupe helps young people learn about theatre and offers workshops for those who want a career in the arts.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Jason Klarwein has received several awards and nominations for his work.

• Matilda Awards
  • 2002: Special Commendation for his work in the Queensland Theatre Company's emerging artists program.
  • 2002: Winner of the MEAA Award for Best Emerging Actor.
  • 2003: Commendation for his performance in Half and Half.
  • 2003: Nominated for Best Male in a Lead Role for God is a DJ.

• Helpmann Awards
  • 2017: Nominated for Best Male Actor in a Play for Once in Royal David's City.

Film and Television Roles

Besides his work in theatre, Klarwein has also appeared in films and on TV. He acted in short films like ... Mono-Winged Angel (2001) and Ruby (2016).

He has also been in TV shows, including Cybergirl (2001), Sea Patrol (2011), and Slide (2011). In 2014, he had a role in the mini-series Devil's Playground, which won several awards.