Ensemble Theatre artistic director Sandra Bates directs last play as her eyesight fails

Her eyesight has deteriorated but Sandra Bates is bringing her usual insight to The Good Doctor.

Sandra Bates is retiring as artistic director of the Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli after 30 years.

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Her eyesight has deteriorated and she can no longer see the actors’ faces on stage.

However, Sandra Bates is bringing her usual insight to The Good Doctor.

Bates, 77, is directing her last play as artistic director of the Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli. She has macular degeneration and is retiring after 30 years at the helm.

“I am all right in rehearsals but I can’t see the actors’ faces on the theatre stage,’’ she said.

Sandra Bates (right) with The Good Doctor star Kate Raison.

Bates has been working from a large print script for the play The Good Doctor, teasing out the poignancy and humour of Neil Simon.

“I am really enjoying it,’’ she said.

Bates is matter of fact about her retirement. “It’s time for me to go,’’ she said.

Peter and Sandra Bates with actor Henri Szeps at launch of Ensemble Theatre's 2009 program.

“To choose one play for the Ensemble, you need to read about 100 plays and I can’t do that any more.’’

Among the cast of The Good Doctor is Kate Raison who has appeared in 15 of the 22 plays directed by Bates at the Ensemble.

Playwright John Misto once said Bates had “artistic vision, has the courage to fight for it and the ability to realise her vision without being a drain on the public purse.’’