Who is Debora Krizak?
That’s the question I ask myself everyday. I’m one part performer, two parts mother to 7 year old twins, one part homemaker and all other parts chaos.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d probably have looked into available career options and not been so dead set on a life on the stage. I’m lucky my dreams were fulfilled but there is still a part of me that would have loved to do law or be a forensic scientist.
Who inspires you and why?
As an actor I’m inspired by Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench – all the wonderful, strong female artists. On a life level, I’m inspired by people who make a difference. The types of people who don’t win awards or get their pictures in the paper. Those people who go about their daily jobs contributing and making a difference to someone else’s life with little to none recognition. They spark a fire in me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m passionate about children and animals. If there was a way where I could use fame and wealth to eradicate suffering to both, I’d be the most self fulfilled person on the planet. In the meantime, all I can do is post on social media ‘be kind to each other’. Sometimes that’s all it takes. This life of ours is so much more than just about ourselves. Look outside of self. That’s my daily motto. It’s a challenge in an ego driven industry but it’s amazing how you can turn a negative situation into a positive one once you surrender all ‘self’. I’m still practicing this but I’m aware.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I have fond memories of taking my little family on their first overseas holiday to Fiji. It was short and simple. The flight was 3.5 hours and we were all swimming in the pool by the afternoon. It was nothing fancy but we got to stop and just be together. I’d still put Fiji at the top of my list. Simplicity is the key for me. I’d love to go back to Santorini one day and take another visit to Croatia where my husband’s family are from but for the time being it’s the backyard and a football.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to and why?
I’m loving the vibrant restaurant precinct that we have in Parramatta. I like to support local businesses. I’d also treat them to a ferry ride into Circular Quay and take a walk around the Rocks. I’m also keen to go camping on Cockatoo Island. Then there’s the Hunter Valley of course and not forgetting our iconic beaches and walking tracks. I’d also encourage them to see a show at The Opera House and encourage them to experience some of our vibrant independent theatre. (How’s that for a plug?)
What are you currently reading?
Our director Dean Bryant has put me onto a great book called Man’s Search for Meaning. It’s a 1946 book by Viktor E. Frankl chronicling his experiences as an Auschwitz concentration camp inmate during World War II. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into it.
What are you currently listening to?
Pandora. Easy listening channel. There is something exciting about hearing new artists and not knowing what’s coming up next.
Happiness is?
Usually what you don’t expect it to be. A quiet walk around the river. Cuddles with my kids. Having a cup of tea with my folks. Having something to look forward to. Achieving something you never thought you could do.
What does the future hold for you?
School drop off and pick ups… Homework… Negotiating life. I’m terrible at making plans. Nothing seems to go the way I anticipate, so I’ve abandoned thinking too far ahead. I do have another show straight off the back of Anything Goes, but I’d also like to see myself doing some more great independent theatre, recording an album, building my husband’s business, writing a one woman show, a comedic TV or film role… Let’s put it all out there and see what happens hey?
Debora Krizak is fast becoming one of Australia’s most versatile and dynamic musical theatre performers and actresses. Having obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Performing Arts from Adelaide University, Debora relocated to Sydney to work on the 2004 production of Mel Brooks’ The Producers where she understudied the role of Swedish secretary, Ulla.
From there she went onto appear in Titanic – a new musical for Sea Biscuit Productions playing the role of Madame Aubert and following this, as a walk in cover to Rhonda Burchmore in Respect the Musical. After giving birth to twins in 2008, Debora was soon back in lycra playing the role of Shania in Guy Noble’s Karaoke The Musical, followed by a national tour of the stage adaption of the movie, Calendar Girls for GFO playing the role of Elaine.
Debora’s most recent and notable credits include playing the roles of Sheila in A Chorus Line and the dual roles Nickie / Ursula in Sweet Charity, both performances earning her Helpmann nominations.
Following seasons in Melbourne and Brisbane, Debora can once again be seen in the role of Erma in the Opera Australia / GFO production of Anything Goes, playing at the Sydney Opera House from 5 September 2015. For more information, visit: www.anythinggoesmusical.com.au for details.
Image: Debora Krizak