Who is Casey Gould?
Casey is a Melbourne-born, London-based director. His work encompasses theatre, musical theatre, cabaret and physical theatre of both small and large scale. Some of his highlights include, the new Australian play Member, the Australian premiere of Calvin Berger: A Musical (Some Guys, Director), The World of Ahrens and Flaherty (Some Guys, Director), The Pajama Game (Federation University, Director), Green Room Award-winning cabaret Nailed It! (Mackenzie-Spencer & Strano, Director), Ned: A New Australian Musical (Groaning Dam & Capitol Productions, Assistant Director), the national tours of A Bit of an Overshare and A Little Too Much Information (Claire Healy, Director). Casey has also worked with physical theatre company DIG and enjoys developing new works with writers and creators.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I don’t really know, when I was younger I always wanted to be a Disney Imagineer. I thought it would be wonderful to sit in a room all day coming up with fun and new ideas. Actually I suppose that’s what I’d do now when I’m directing. That said at one point I was going to be mathematician, turns out singing, dancing and directing is a little more fun.
Who inspires you and why?
Great story tellers. They inspire me to be better at what I do. Directors like Marianne Elliott and Thomas Kail, but also film directors and animators like Mamoru Hosoda and Hayao Miyazaki. They all tell glorious stories that are moving and full of heart. I hope my work and this show will move you and connect with you?
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I try to now I suppose, not sure I make much of a difference but I think theatre is a wonderful way to teach empathy and the I think the world would be a much better place if we all practiced it more often. We might find we don’t keep repeating the mistakes of the past.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Nailing it down to one is hard, there are so many wonderful places in the world. For travel, probably New York, something about that city feeds me with energy. That said for a holiday I like going to my parents’ place in the Kyneton Victoria, a place where I can just relax and switch off from the world.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Dinner and a Show, is there a better way to spend and evening? Good food, good theatre and good conversation.
What are you currently reading?
Too many articles about what is happening currently in the US. It’s all kinda crazy. It’s frightening to watch it all unfold. I suppose similarly to what is talked about in Member it’s scary when hate becomes normalised.
What are you currently listening to?
My Dad Wrote a Porno – this podcast is the best medicine; just makes you laugh. Although if you listen to it on public transport it is guaranteed to make people look at you strangely, while you try to contain your fits of laughter.
Happiness is?
A bbq pork bun from Tim Ho Wan, it’s joy condensed in food form.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully directing here in London, then maybe a move to the US. Hopefully Member will have a continued life, it is an important story that needs to be seen. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens next!
Written and performed by Ben Noble, Casey directs Fairly Lucid Productions’ Member at The Blood Moon Theatre: 21 February – 4 March, as part of the 2017 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. For more information, visit: www.mardigras.org.au for details.
Image: Casey Gould