Jason Klarwein facts for kids

Jason Klarwein (born around 1976) is an Australian actor, director, and producer. He is also an artistic director, which means he helps lead and guide theatre companies. He is well-known for his work with the Grin & Tonic theatre group.

Early Life

Jason Klarwein was born around 1976.

Career Highlights

Jason started his professional acting career in 1996. He performed in a play called The Glass Cage. From 1996 to 1999, he was part of the Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre company.

In 2002, he was chosen for the first group of artists in the Queensland Theatre Company's Emerging Artists Program. He received a special award called a Matilda Special Commendation for his work with this group. That same year, he won the Matilda Awards MEAA Award for Best Emerging Actor. He has acted in many plays for the Queensland Theatre Company and La Boite Theatre Company.

Later, Jason moved to another state and performed in Capricornia at the Belvoir. This play was directed by Wesley Enoch. Jason and Wesley worked together again at the Queensland Theatre Company, where Wesley became the Artistic Director. Jason acted in many of Wesley's plays and later became a resident director there.

In 2009, Jason worked with the Sydney Theatre Company on a play called A Streetcar Named Desire. This play was directed by Liv Ullmann and starred famous actress Cate Blanchett. The show even toured to big cities like Washington and New York City.

From 2014 to 2015, Jason was a Resident Director with Andrea Moor at the Queensland Theatre Company. This meant he helped direct many of their shows.

In 2017, he starred in Once in Royal David's City. This was a joint show by the Black Swan Theatre Company and the Queensland Theatre Company. He was nominated for the Best Male Actor award at the 2017 Helpmann Awards.

Also in 2017, a new version of The 7 Stages of Grieving went on tour. This play is over 20 years old and was written by Wesley Enoch and actress Deborah Mailman. Both are Indigenous Australians. Jason directed this new production, which starred Indigenous actress Chenoa Deemal. It was a show by Queensland Theatre and Grin & Tonic Theatre Troupe.

Working with Michael Attenborough

In 2007, famous Shakespearean director Michael Attenborough visited Australia. He came as part of a project between London's Almeida Theatre, the Sydney Theatre Company, and the Bundanon Trust arts complex. Jessica Boyd, whose grandfather was artist Arthur Boyd, invited Attenborough. He brought four actors from the United Kingdom to work with five Australian actors.

After leaving the Almeida Theatre in 2012, Michael Attenborough contacted Jason Klarwein. He wanted to come to Brisbane to direct a play.

In 2014, the Queensland Government provided $3 million to help the Queensland Theatre Company. This money allowed them to bring Michael Attenborough to Brisbane. He directed a three-week show of Macbeth, with Jason Klarwein playing the main role of Macbeth.

Critics praised Jason's performance. Stage Whispers said, "Jason Klarwein (Macbeth) and Veronica Neave (Lady Macbeth) dominated the stage." Aussie Theatre wrote that Jason "portrayed the many facets of this complex character with charisma, strength, as well as vulnerability." They also noted the strong connection between Jason and Veronica Neave as Lady Macbeth.

Grin & Tonic Theatre Troupe

Jason Klarwein has been involved with the Grin & Tonic theatre troupe for over 15 years. This group travels all over Queensland. They perform lively Shakespeare shows for high school students for several months each year.

In 2010, Jason became the Artistic Director of Grin & Tonic. The troupe puts on shows, including Shakespeare, for both primary and secondary school children. They also explore topics that fit into the school curriculum. Grin & Tonic offers workshops for young people who want to work in theatre.

Awards and Recognition

Jason Klarwein has received several awards and nominations for his acting and directing:

• Matilda Awards
• 2002 Matilda Special Commendation: For his excellent work as part of the Queensland Theatre Company's emerging artists program.
• 2002 Matilda Awards Winner MEAA Award: Best Emerging Actor.
• 2003 Matilda Awards Commendation: For his performance in Half and Half.
• 2003 Matilda Awards Nomination: Best Male in a Lead Role for God is a DJ.
• 2017 Helpmann Awards Nomination: Best Male Actor in a Play for Once in Royal David's City.

Memberships

Jason is one of two elected representatives for Queensland on the National Performers Committee. This committee meets to discuss important issues that affect all performers. He is also a member of the MEAA Board – Queensland Branch.

Reviews of His Work

Jason Klarwein has received many positive reviews for his acting and directing.

Acting Reviews

For his role in Once in Royal David's City (2017), Caroline Russo wrote that he led "an exceptional ensemble cast." The Sydney Morning Herald reviewed Fractions (2011). They said Jason "transforms into a viscerally terrifying power-hungry fanatic" once he fully gets into the role.

Sonny Clarke reviewed Jason's performance in The Seagull (2015). He said Jason played the role "with deep, heartfelt conflict." For Design for Living (2013), Clarke noted that Jason "seems to exist rather than act his role." He added that Jason, along with other actors, created "a lively comedic yet pathetic and exciting mess."

In Elizabeth, almost by chance a woman (2012) for the Queensland Theatre Company, Jason's performance was called "a total revelation." He showed "a lovely comic ability, full of variety; self-aware and expressive."

Directing Reviews

Alison Cotes reviewed The 7 Stages of Grieving (2015). She praised Jason Klarwein's direction, saying it helped bring the 20-year-old play into the 21st century. She felt his direction made it a true "team effort."

Theatre Performances

Jason Klarwein as an Actor

Jason Klarwein as a Director, Writer, or Creator

Film and TV

Jason Klarwein has also appeared in several TV shows. He was in Cybergirl (2001), Sea Patrol (2011), and Slide (2011). He also had a continuing role in the mini-series Devil's Playground (2014). This series won 5 awards and was nominated for 10 others.