What do you do? I am an actor, writer and occasional director
When did you get into it? I did a little at school, but didn’t really do it properly till I was 22.
Who or what influences you as an artist? The world of fairytale and myth (especially when it’s bent around backwards), delicious black comedy, ridiculous action or horror films, physical theatre (especially Butoh) and the wonderful, talented people I get to work and collaborate with.
What’s your biggest achievement so far? Working and performing with Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre last year as one of their Company Interns, getting $14 550 to make a show for National Science Week, my production of The Trees as part of CYT’s Artist’s Unite program, winning Best Actress at Canberra’s Short and Sweet last year . . . I keep having great adventures that make me really proud.
What are your plans for the future? Keep making work, try and get paid . . . make my own company with equally passionate collaborators and generate excellent professional work here in Canberra . . . keep travelling the world and training my craft.
What makes you laugh? My friends. The Misfits. Stupid Youtube memes. Monty Python. Whiskey. My imagination. Jason Stackhouse in True Blood. The Muppets from when Jim Henson was still alive. The Boys. Monkey Island. The show I’m working on – Intellectual Self Defence.
What pisses you off? People who don’t listen and are closed to new ideas. The news – I have a tendency to yell at the television. Pedestrians who don’t walk on the left and freak out when I ring my bicycle bell. Having to get up in the morning. People who complain about their lot in life and then refuse try and solve the problem.
What’s your opinion of the local scene? Canberra is a fertile breeding ground for passionate, talented artists. There are lots of opportunities when you’re starting out. Unfortunately, it is far more difficult to sustain yourself as a professional practitioner, and I see more and more people leaving Canberra for Sydney or Melbourne. We need more professional opportunities here so we can keep the wonderful talent we generate.
What are your upcoming performances/exhibitions? I am about to go to Japan to do a one-week Butoh intensive with Dairakudakan. From August 16 to 21 I am producing and performing in the 70’s kung fu epic Intellectual Self Defence as part of National Science Week. I’ll also be in Short and Sweet later in the year.
Contact info: phone 0422 932 918 or email ali.stardragon@gmail.com
