Former Qantas boss Alan Joyce has resigned as chairman of the Sydney Theater Company, just a month after the company became embroiled in controversy sparked by actors wearing Palestinian scarves.
Sydney Theater Company (STC) confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Joyce was stepping down from his position.
He joined the company’s Board of Directors in 2022 and was elected chairman in March last year.
Mr Joyce, who has been on leave since October last year, said he planned to return to his role at the end of February.
But he confirmed that the current challenges facing the STC would require “significant time” in the role.
“I don’t believe I will be able to devote the necessary time in the coming months,” Mr Joyce said.
Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce (pictured) has stepped down as chairman of the Sydney Theater Company
‘While I will be reluctantly stepping aside, I will remain passionate about the great work the STC does and I wish the company all the best for the future.’
Philanthropist Ann Johnson will take over Joyce’s role, an STC spokeswoman confirmed.
Ms. Johnson has held positions on the company’s board of directors since 2013 – first as a director, then as deputy chairman since 2016 and acting chairman – since October 2023.
Joyce’s departure follows outrage at the company last November after several actors wore traditional Palestinian keffiyehs on the opening night of The Seagull.
The black and white scarves are considered a symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance.
The move sparked outrage among Jewish subscribers, while three members of the board resigned in the wake of the controversy.
One of them was Alex Schuman, the brother of Wentworth MP Allegra Spender.
STC said at the time that other cast and crew members were not informed in advance of the actors’ move.
During a protest in November, actors from the Sydney Theater Company wore Palestinian keffiyehs to protest Israeli actions in the Middle East
“We support individual freedom of expression, but believe that the right to freedom of expression does not take precedence over our responsibility to create safe workplaces and theaters,” the company said in a statement on November 28, 2023.
“We believe that it was not the intention of the actors involved to cause harm or offence. We have emphasized to our artists that they have the freedom to express their opinions and views on their own platforms. ‘STC is working to address the concerns raised and to work further with individuals and community groups.’
Thousands signed petitions calling for the actors’ resignation and decisive action from the STC, while creatives across Australia called for a ceasefire and Israel’s ‘withdrawal from the Palestinian territories’.
Mr Joyce had retired as CEO of Qantas just five months earlier, after 22 years in the role.
He had endured a painful few months at the airline, which was hit last year by allegations from the consumer watchdog that “ghost flights” had been sold to customers.
An outburst over Covid refunds and a criticism from senators over competitors’ flights also added to the negative feedback.
Ms Johnson spoke about Mr Joyce’s resignation from STC and thanked him for his support of the company.
“Alan understood the significant challenges STC faces as a nonprofit arts organization amid rising costs and increasingly uncertain revenues,” she said in a statement.
“Arts boards across Australia are working harder than ever to ensure the long-term financial viability of their organizations and the coming years will be difficult for the performing arts sector.
“STC is deeply grateful to Alan for his leadership and generous philanthropic support, which has helped the company continue to produce world-class theater.”