In the ensuing furore, leading Jewish figures from within the arts community lined up to condemn the actors, and three members of the STC’s fundraising arm quit in protest.

More than 1000 patrons signed a petition calling on the STC to prevent any similar protests in future and to consider sacking the three actors.

The company is expected to report a deficit in 2023 as COVID support money comes to an end and amid rising costs. The loss of donations, ticket sales and sponsorship withdrawn in the protest’s aftermath would likely impact the 2024 budget.

In 2022, the company posted a modest operating surplus of $44,055 – its first surplus in five years – having weathered stage shutdowns caused by the pandemic and disruptions necessitated by renovations to its Walsh Bay home.

Its financial bottom line had been bolstered by box office hits such as RBG: Of Many, One and an encore season of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Johnson said her predecessor had understood the “significant challenges” a not-for-profit such as STC faced in times of rising costs and uncertain revenues.

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“Arts boards around Australia are working harder than ever to ensure the long-term viability of their organisations and the next few years will be difficult for the performing arts sector,” she said.

Joyce and his husband Shane Lloyd were named in the 2022 annual report as among the STC’s so-called “angels”, or top-tier donors, who had given “unwavering commitment” to STC’s plays and productions.

Joyce submitted his resignation from all board duties on January 5.