The 2023 Lysicrates Prize, an event which honours the wealthy arts patron Lysicrates and Greek democracy, was held on April 29.
The packed audience in the Verbruggen Hall at the Conservatorium of Music were welcomed by John Azarias, Co-Founder, Lysicrates Foundation; The Honourable Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales; and Constantine Costi, Artistic Director, Lysicrates Foundation.
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis, was also present.
Due to the inclement weather, the voting and announcement of the winner took place in the Conservatorium.
The Welcome to the Botanic Gardens was delivered by Denise Ora, Chief Executive, Botanic Gardens of Sydney and then the winner was announced by The Honourable Tony Burke, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Leader of the House.
Dr Patricia Azarias, Co-Founder, Lysicrates Foundation then gave the vote of thanks.
Suvi Derkenne was named winner of the Lysicrates Prize. Suvi Derkenne is a Finnish Australian playwright and won first place for her play Murder, Murder, Hair! A tragedy.
Murder, Murder, Hair! A tragedy has been written as a sugary and theatrical distraction from the challenging realities of her community.
Special mention to the finalists, Joanna Erskine and Jordan Shea, for their plays, Illumination Malacanang/Montgomery, respectively.