My ideal weekend in Canberra would be:
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Sleeping in, brunch with family, and then either a show or playing a game with friends in the evening. Arguing about theatre would be an acceptable substitute.
My favourite place to eat out in Canberra is:
Shanghai Dumpling Cafe and Delhi 6. Both are within walking distance of Rep and, given how much time I spend there, I’m very happy that the food is good.
The biggest challenge of being president of Rep is:
Time. There is never enough time. It’s a voluntary gig and between Rep and work and various other things, there is never enough time. As such, at the beginning I set some goals for what I wanted to achieve this year. So far, so good.
The best part of being president of Canberra Rep is:
Being a part of Rep. But then you don’t need to be on council to make a substantial contribution to Rep. I've acted in Rep plays (including Arcadia, for a second time, at the moment), I've done front of house, crewing et cetera. I guess what distinguishes being the president is that you are part of the decision-making body for Rep, helping Rep survive and thrive directly.
My proudest theatrical moment was:
Some years ago, more than I care to remember, I was in a university production of One for the Road by Harold Pinter. It’s a rather harrowing piece, not for the faint-hearted, in which I played Nicolas. Nicolas is the villain. One performance, we had a group of college students come along. The students were visibly affected by the play. As it went on, they seemed to press back into their seats, pull up their legs and so on. It was a testimony to the power of the play, and our performances. This is mostly a fond memory. Mostly.
My most embarrassing theatrical moment was:
Same production, same audience. Aware that I may not have made the best impression, I held back on leaving, so that I wouldn’t run into any of the students. It turned out their bus was late. I’ve made the odd stuff-up, had the odd deserved bad review. Nothing compares to the intense scrutiny of 40 traumatised students.
Arcadia is on at Theatre 3. Bookings: canberrarep.org.au.