Who is Chris Parker?
Chris Parker is a father, a husband, a photographer and a theatremaker. Often an observer. A lover of nature and animals.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Be more courageous in my creativity – daring to pursue something without knowing its financial worth. Often my choices are made in service to others, or income, and I forget to make time for creative curiosity.
Who inspires you and why?
My wife Lisa-Marie; with her constant generosity and rigid standards of care for others. My daughter Charlie; watching her joyful abandon when connecting with everyone that crosses her path. My directing mentor, Robyn Nevin; with her fierce pursuit of detail and vitality in her theatre work.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Raise kind and intelligent children.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My favourite holiday experience was probably Rome with Lisa, walking around the city at 3am in awe of the architecture and history glowing in the moonlight. There is something about walking through a city that illustrates such a long deep history. Walking around the corner and seeing the Pantheon put me instantly at ease.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My father – who has passed now – had a holiday house down in Phillip Island. Running along the beaches with the dog is a favourite pastime. The Phillip Island winery is great for a relaxing afternoon of Finska and woodfire pizza. And then back to the house for a backyard fire for marshmallows and a sing-a-long at dusk.
What are you currently reading?
Two children and a dog in a small miner’s cottage doesn’t allow for a lot of quiet reading time, but I am currently doing my 200hr yoga teacher training so in the small amount of reading time I have in my day – History and Philosophy of Yoga by Peter Connolly.
Happiness is?
Silent connection with someone you love.
What does the future hold for you?
One step at a time.
Chris stars as Major Metcalf in the 2024 Australian tour of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap – which plays the Newcastle Civic Theatre (11 – 25 May), before touring to the Gold Coast, Hobart, Orange, Geelong, Darwin, Port Macquarie, Toowoomba, Frankston, Albury, Frenchs Forest, Mackay and Wollongong. For more information, visit: www.themousetrap.com.au for details.
Image: Chris Parker (supplied)