On the Couch with Jane Miller

Jane MillerWho is Jane Miller?
A playwright and chronic over thinker from Melbourne who maintains another job largely to keep two small dogs in the style to which they have become accustomed.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Start sooner. Think less.

Who inspires you and why?
People who give a lot of themselves for the care of others or in pursuit of their work.  All of the actors, artists, theatre makers that I work with.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I had millions of dollars I’d like to think I’d be a true philanthropist. In the event that I don’t have millions of dollars, which I don’t, I’ll work with what I’ve got and focus on being kinder and less judgmental.  Recently I’ve committed to more actively giving a shout out to those people and things that deserve it. Recognition and genuine acknowledgement of each other and our successes is a small thing that we can all do to make a difference.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
New York. It’s noisy, exciting and crowded and has this amazing liberating sense that almost nothing is out of place. I love it and would go more often if I could afford it.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I’d take them out for breakfast. Melbourne has great cafes and of course, great coffee. La Mama or fortyfivedownstairs for some fab indie theatre. Maybe to a Western Bulldogs match. I’m a keen supporter but I hardly ever go so it would be a good excuse and very Melbourne.

What are you currently reading?
Beginners by Raymond Carver. Margaret Atwood’s Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing and a backlog of the last year’s issues of Vanity Fair.

What are you currently listening to?
Michael Nyman (I’m always listening to Michael Nyman).  I revisited my teenage years by seeing Spandau Ballet in concert recently so I’m running through a lot of 80’s classics at the moment, as well.

Happiness is?
Hanging out with my teenage nephews.  Coffee with friends.  Getting to collaborate with a talented group of artists on a development or a production of something I’ve written.

What does the future hold for you?
The season of my new play, Cuckoo directed by Alice Bishop at fortyfivedownstairs in July. Work on a number of other projects with Beng Oh for our company 15 Minutes from Anywhere. More collaborations and more writing.

Jane Miller’s work has been produced both around Australia and internationally. Plays include Perfect Stillness (Short + Sweet), The Painter (MelBorn –Melbourne Writers’ Theatre), Happily Ever After (La Mama), the R E Ross Trust award winning True Love Travels on a Gravel Road (fortyfivedownstairs) and Motherfucker  (La Mama ).

In 2013, Jane and  director, Beng Oh formalised their ongoing collaboration via the establishment of their company, 15 Minutes from Anywhere.  Last year , Jane completed a Master of Writing for Performance at the Victorian College of the Arts.

Jane’s latest play Cuckoo will have its premiere season at Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs 9 – 26 July 2015. For more information, visit: www.janemiller.net or www.15minutesfromanywhere.com for details.

Image: Jane Miller