Who is Aidan Fennessy?
Aidan Fennessy is someone who loves to refer to himself in the third person. When not doing this he is a writer and director.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Archaeologist. I’ve spent a lifetime, head bowed, looking for treasure on the ground and so far consider myself pretty lucky. Actually not much different to writing. Still trying to find stuff that no one else thought was there.
Who inspires you and why?
My children inspire me to be a better person because I can see in them those things that make living worthwhile. Play, laughter, naughtiness. Also those people in my life who face adversity with grace and charm. As to the public sphere, writers, scientists, humanitarians. Anyone seeking truth.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Make it livable for my children and their children. We are facing the 6th great extinction event and behaving like the proverbial frog in boiling water.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Big 4 Caravan Park at Badger Creek. An hour from Melbourne and you feel like you’re in the bush. Plus it’s got a pool.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Observatories at the Royal Botanic Gardens. They run tours and you get to see the Moon and Stars through the most amazing old telescopes.
What are you currently reading?
The Value of Nothing by Raj Patel. A fascinating take on the free market and democracy.
What are you currently listening to?
I just got the old turntable out so listening to a whole bunch of stuff I haven’t heard in years. Canned Heat Live at Topanga Corral seems to be getting a good whacking at the moment.
Happiness is?
An ill-defined cure-all for the miserable. Don’t know. If I did I’d tell you. Canned Heat’s not a bad start. There is no good nor bad but thinking makes it so.
What does the future hold for you?
Long term? I’m hoping to have a few laughs, maybe write a bit more stuff. Short term… more coffee would be nice…
Aidan makes his long-awaited return to Red Stitch Actors Theatre with the Victorian premiere of his own play, The Way Things Work, running 4 February – 5 March 2017. For more information, visit: www.redstitch.net for details.
Image: Aidan Fennessy (supplied)