Who is Barnie Duncan?
Barnie is a theatre maker and comedian from Auckland, NZ now living in Melbourne. He is also a DJ and music playing person. He is a Scorpio who likes dogs. His favourite colour is fawn and he is going to stop talking in the third person now.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Hmmm… well assuming I had any active voice in the matter I would do things like not have an annoying auto-immune disease, alter the effects of ageing, that kind of thing. If you mean what choices am I currently making that I would not do now, then maybe I should have chosen to pack more shirts with buttons as I am currently stuck in a heatwave in Berlin with too many solid t shirts. I need to get my chest out some more.
Who inspires you and why?
My mum inspires me. She is brave and has a lot of reserves of strength. I used to be inspired by all the punks, because the art of not giving a shit seemed wild and courageous and trail-blazing but now I am not so sure… it could just be flamboyant selfishness. There are certain theatre companies that inspire me, like Ridiculusmus. Every now and then performers pop up who do cool things that inspire me, like Bryony Kimmings. Or Phil Burgers. This might sound trite, but weed gives me a lot of inspiration. Although weed is not a person. So let’s say the Jolly Green Giant inspires me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Ohhhhhhh, such a simple question to answer! Umm… ban idiots? Make Australia sign a treaty with the indigenous population? Make fast food illegal? All those things. Also I would make te reo maori compulsory at schools in New Zealand. People would have to go every second month not eating fish. Nudism would not be punishable, it would be encouraged. There would be more nightclubs, and less sound restrictions from apartment owners. Oh wait maybe I have misread this question… what would I personally do, like right now? I guess buy less plastic. And read books from more varied sources.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Spain is the best country. The attitude to daily living is so spot on. The people are beautiful, the cheese is the best. And the music kicks me in the soul.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In Melbourne I just take friends to Sydney Road – because I think it is the best road in town. It has real vibe.
What are you currently reading?
Crazy Cock by Henry Miller.
What are you currently listening to?
The new Aldous Harding record, and a bunch of calypso.
Happiness is?
Dancing with your pants off in Berghain to intense Berlin techno.
What does the future hold for you?
Financial ruin and emotional instability.
Barnie Duncan (aka Juan Vesuvius) will bring his turntables to the 2019 Bondi Feast to deliver the greatest and strangest DJ set you’ve ever experienced. For more information, visit: www.bondifeast.com.au for details.
Image: Barnie Duncan (supplied)