Archer, Robyn (1948–)

Australian singer, director and actress. Name variations: Robyn Smith. Born Robyn Smith on June 18, 1948, in Adelaide, Australia; dau. of Lykke "Cliff" Smith (club entertainer and comedian).

Famed worldwide as singer, actress, and director most often associated with cabaret, as well as for role as artistic director and public advocate of arts; came from showbiz family and began singing publicly at age 4; worked in vaudeville, folk, nightclubs, tv, country music, jazz and revue before specializing in Brecht-Weill-Eisler repertoire; studied briefly at Berliner Ensemble (1980) and recorded 2 albums of German cabaret music at Abbey Road with London Sinfonietta; has sung in, written and directed cabaret (writing many original works with political bent) and music theater; known for stage successes such as A Star is Torn and Tonight Iola Blau; achieved notoriety as well for songwriting, including political songs in shows like Pack of Women and Kold Komfort Kaffee; published numerous essays and regular newspaper column; curated many notable arts festivals in Australia (National Festival of Australian Theater 1993–95, Adelaide Festival 1998–2000, Melbourne Festival 2002–03) and created and curated ongoing Tasmanian festival, Ten Days on the Island (since 2003). Numerous awards and honors include: Sydney Critics' Circle Award (1980); ARIA Awards (Best Soundtrack—Pack of Women, 1986 and Best Children's Album—Mrs. Bottle, 1989); Australian Creative Fellowship (1991–93); Australian Women's Network Executive Woman of the Year (1998); SA Great's Arts and Culture Award (1998 and 2000); Officer of the Order of Australia (2000); Chevalier du l'Ordre des Artes et des Lettres (2001); Member, Australian International Cultural Council; Doctor of the University (Flinders University).