Who is Jayde Kirchert?
Depends who you ask! I am lots of different things to different people. A director, writer/theatre maker, artistic director, lecturer and teacher, producer, dramaturge, cat owner, friend, sister, daughter, girlfriend… that will do for now.
What would you do di?erently to what you do now?
I have always had a fascination with bodies… I’d probably be a doctor. At one point I also seriously considered leaving theatre to pursue law… but honestly, if I really wanted to do something different I would probably be doing it. I’m a very lucky person and try to make the most of every opportunity.
Who inspires you and why?
My Citizens! They are willing to take the leap into the unknown with me and that inspires me to keep pushing the group and the work further. Of course my students too always inspire me – by your pupils you are taught! I also happen to work at VCA where I am surrounded by experts in so many artistic fields, and this is an endless source of inspiration. Also, the people in my life who have a creative career AND children. I don’t know how they do it! I am also always inspired by Maude Davey. I think her work is fabulous – unapologetic and innovative – and she’s also a great human.
What would you do to make a di?erence in the world?
Theatre is my way of trying to make a positive difference in the world. But everyday there are little things we can all do and I try to keep this in mind. I’m conscious of my environmental impact on the world, but I also try to be as generous as I can with the people I work with and patient, because I think slowing down is one of the best things we can all do right now to make the world a better place.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I recently went to Paris for the second time and absolutely adored it I found a new appreciation that I didn’t have the first time I went. It’s another world. Favourite part was the Centre Pompidou – I love contemporary art. I also got to practice my French, went to a cute little French Jazz bar and just had the chance to really take it in. It’s one of those cities where you can just walk around and you feel like you’ve had a rich experience.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The beach down the road from me – it has lots of cute and happy dogs running around and is just beautiful even in winter!
What are you currently reading?
Discipline and Punish and the History of Sexuality by Michel Foucault (I’m doing an MFA at VCA) and a random book on smell and scent in preparation for Ascent. I’ve been working my way through Damned Whores and God’s Police too by Anne Summers for a while… it’s one of those big books I read when I have a spare moment, which is never right now!
What are you currently listening to?
So many different things every day! I’ve been enjoying a bit of Mozart lately, namely string quartets, which is new and unusual for me. I always have time for Nick Cave and Kate Bush and recently came across a great indigenous artist I really like Emily Wurramara. Also digging Middle Kids at the moment.
Happiness is?
Making theatre, having weekends for friends and family and quality time with Stu Brown (my partner in life and creativity!) – which often includes brainstorming ideas for exciting new creative projects.
What does the future hold for you?
Who knows! Hopefully many creative projects and lots of love and laughter.
Jayde’s latest work, Ascent will be presented at Theatre Works: 28 – 30 September as part of the 2018 Melbourne Fringe. For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au for details.
Image: Jayde Kirchert (supplied)