Muriel Romanes steps down as artistic director of Stellar Quines Theatre Company

Muriel Romanes is to step down as artistic director of Stellar Quines Theatre Company after 22 years with the organisation.

Romanes was one of the founders of the Scottish company, which aims to celebrate the “energy, experience and perspective” of women in theatre, in 1993. She took over as artistic director in 1996.

She will step down from the role in April 2016.

Romanes said: “It is with much sadness that I have announced my resignation as the artistic director of Stellar Quines Theatre Company.

“I wish to enable the company to move forward embracing a more passionate wider and ambitious landscape to exist in. I wish Stellar Quines much success for the future.”

The company achieved regular funded organisation status from Creative Scotland last November, and scored strong critical success at this year’s fringe with the Jennifer Tremblay Trilogy.

Company chair Marilyn Imrie said: “Muriel Romanes has ensured that women’s talents in all areas of theatremaking in Scotland are celebrated and given a voice and a platform and room to grow.

“She leaves the company at the height of her powers and she will, I know, continue to provide inspiration to theatremakers in Scotland and internationally.”

Productions Romanes has directed for Stellar Quines include The Unconquered by Torben Betts in 2007. In 2011, she won best director at the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland for Age of Arousal by Linda Griffiths, a co-production with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company.