Alrene Sykes (1946) BA MA Alrene Sykes (1946) was a distinguished scholar and a pioneer in the study of Australian drama. She worked on radio scripts at the ABC and went on to become a dedicated and inspiring teacher who unfailingly supported the work of colleagues and friends. Alrene’s ‘sane, always valuable advice to critics and playwrights alike’ is remembered by all who benefited from both her experience and her generosity. Alrene Maud Sykes (1946) received her entire schooling at ÌÇÐÄlogoÃ×·ÆÍà where she was a Senior Prefect and Dux of the School in 1946. In her Leaving Certificate she gained 1st class Honours in English, Latin and French. At the University of Sydney she commenced studies in the Faculty of Arts in 1947. In Latin II she gained the Sir Charles Nicholson Scholarship and for English III, the James Coutts Scholarship. Soon after graduation Alrene joined the ABC Drama Department. She left the ABC in 1960 for the External Studies Department of the University of Queensland where she gained her MA in 1967. She later transferred to the English Department. The lectures there, whether in Drama or fiction, had the hallmark of careful preparation, excellent organisation and stimulating content. Her delivery was clear and precise, always communicating her enthusiasm for the subject. Alrene Sykes was a pioneer in the study of Australian drama, and from the mid 1960s a noted expert in the field, publishing on the works of Alan Seymour, Douglas Stewart, Jack Hibberd, Louis Nowra, Patrick White, David Williamson, and David Ireland. As well as editing five collections of Australian plays, Alrene wrote a book on Harold Pinter (for which she received a letter of approval from Pinter) and numerous articles on, and introductions to, dramatic works. Always enthusiastic, she gave years of support to the Brisbane Theatre, La Boite and Playlab. She had a gift for spotting new talent. Her instant recognition of the significance to the Australian tradition of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll and her early sponsorship of the writing of Steve Sewell in Three Political Plays (1980) exemplify this. In 1979 she initiated one of the most significant Theatre History Projects in Australia, the Australian Drama Bibliography Project at the University of Queensland, and from the early 1970s worked indefatigably to increase substantially the holdings of the Hanger collection of Australian playscripts in the Fryer Library. During the 1980s Alrene became increasingly interested in contemporary Australian fiction, particularly fiction by women. Her last articles were on the novels of Barbara Hanrahan and Jessica Anderson. At the time of her death she was working on a major study of Hanrahan's fiction and printmaking. Alrene had deep sincerity and integrity which characterised her. She achieved many extraordinary accomplishments during her talented life. Her contribution to the University of Queensland and to the cultural life of Australia remains as an enduring memorial.