Cathy Petocz
What do you do?
I am a science show performer, a musician and a theatre-maker.
When did you get into it?
I was obsessed with puppetry when I was a kid. I would write elaborate scripts and make my neighbours perform shows with me at the school fete. I liked doing everything.
Who or what influences you as an artist?
Art! The best kind of art makes me want to make art. It's not a desire to replicate, but when I see some life, I want to make my own.
What's your biggest achievement/ proudest moment so far?
I get pretty emotional, so everything feels like the greatest thing at the time. Right now, I have just finished a Suzuki Method/Viewpoints workshop in Chicago, so that's THE moment right now.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to stay anchored in Canberra, making art and learning as much as possible. I think I'll definitely travel overseas for more training, but I feel strongly about bringing that back to Canberra.
What makes you laugh?
Ken Nordine's word jazz, specifically My Baby.
What pisses you off?
This may piss you off, dear artists, but I am vexed when I see the annual exodus to cities more exciting.
What's your opinion of the local scene?
There are many great things happening! Come on out and see something new: opera, dance portraiture, noise music, holga photography! I think there is a lot of support and openness in Canberra. I would like to see more dedication and hard work.
What are your upcoming performances?
I will be performing in Little Dove Theatre Arts' Six Women Standing Against A White Wall at the Melbourne Fringe Festival from September 23. It's a Butoh-inspired interactive piece, and I am very excited about it! I will also be performing my own creation, The Booth, at the Crack Theatre Festival, part of This Is Not Art, from October 1 - 4. I've been developing an installation performance, describing it as 'micro-theatre', paring my notion of theatre right down, and making one-person theatres out of cardboard.
Contact: cathypetocz@gmail.com
