Heather Fairbairn is a director and dramaturg whose work spans theatre, opera, film, and video installation. Based in Byron Bay, she is the Artistic Associate at NORPA and a graduate of NIDA’s Master of Fine Arts (Directing) program. Heather regularly collaborates with writers, composers, and interdisciplinary artists on new work and contemporary adaptations. She is currently developing a stage adaptation of Jessica Anderson’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel Tirra Lirra by the River with longtime creative partner Kate Wild.
Recent directing credits include Australian chamber opera Biographica (Lyric Opera/Theatre Works), national tour of Twelfth Night with new music by Sarah Blasko (Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Opera House & Tour), and An Enemy of the People (Queensland Theatre). In 2025, Heather will direct cinematic opera Katya Kabanova for Victorian Opera and revive The Barber of Seville for Opera Australia.
Previously, Heather was Associate Director: New Work at CIRCA, and Co-Artistic Director of experimental theatre group The Hive Collective in Brisbane. She has also worked with major Australian companies including Bell Shakespeare, Queensland Theatre, La Boite Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, and Opera Australia, as well as international companies including Schaubühne Berlin, Arcola Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, Royal Opera House, Finnish National Opera, Royal Danish Opera, and Festival d’Aix-en-Provence.
