Queen of the stage moves on
JUDITH Ferber OAM has lived a life of song and dance.
And it’s the legacy she created that saw close to one million students take to the stage.
After forming one of Australia’s largest performing arts festivals in 1982, the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, Ms Ferber is retiring as general manager to embark on a new chapter.
If the act of hanging up her hat could be defined by a dance, perhaps Ms Ferber is now stepping into a relaxed rumba. She says her stage exit was a chance to “take stock of a whirlwind career”.
It is a move well deserved after a momentous four-decade career running the festival.
Her decision to retire wasn’t sparked by a tough, two-year run for the eisteddfod, which caused “daily challenges” and “massive headaches”.
The festival was cancelled in 2020 for the first time in 39 years during the height of the pandemic and faced numerous hiccups in 2021.
But one of her biggest highs was ensuring the last event she took part in would be a “stellar success.”
And one of her deepest lows – losing her “soulmate” and “first and last love” of 23 years, Bryan Durham, this year.
She said it was Bryan’s passing in part that acted as a catalyst to retire.
However, her main reason was summed up simply: “It was just my time,” she said.
“Now is the time to let the younger people step up. I’m 76 now and cannot carry on till I’m 100.
“Technology isn’t my strong suit and that’s where things are really headed. My biggest joy was always seeing
people on stage.”
Ms Ferber was honoured on Thursday night at an event she says “encapsulated a 50year career”.
It was a farewell celebration to pay tribute to her monumental contribution to performing arts on the Gold Coast, where she accepted the role of honorary patron for the eisteddfod.
“The event was overwhelming for me. So many lovely things were said by
people that I really love and respect.
“It was an honour and a privilege to be surrounded by my closest friends, business associates and board members. I never dreamt for a second the Gold Coast Eisteddfod would become as huge as it did.”
Nicci Wilson will take the reins as general manager for the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, a move Ms Ferber champions “wholeheartedly”.