Who is Katy Maudlin?
I am a theatre and opera director who has a focus on collaboration, musicalised theatre processes and female dramaturgies. Currently, I am directing Right Now by Catherine Anne-Toupin at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre. It is a comedy thriller, which examines how our desire to embody certain roles manifest.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Read more (read everything).
Who inspires you and why?
Recently I have been delving into the works of photographer Francesca Woodman. Her compositions are extraordinary, as is her investigation into the female body. The long exposure on some shots mean the figures kind of merge with their environments, simultaneously stark and rich.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Yikes. I don’t know, build an empathy machine…
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The South Coast of NSW, gorgeous beaches, wonderful oysters and glorious walks.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
You can’t really go too far wrong with an afternoon on Lygon St. Lunch at Tiamo, a film at Cinema Novo, perhaps a Brunetti’s visit (cake, cake, cake) and wander through Readings. Pretty decadent but a lovely taste of Melbourne.
What are you currently reading?
Emily Wilson’s translation of Homer’s The Odyssey – the first English translation by a woman.
What are you currently listening to?
Ludovico Einaudi, with a hearty dash of Tom Waits (the ballads).
Happiness is?
Lazy and long Saturday mornings, laden with croissants, newspapers, strong coffee and soft smiles.
What does the future hold for you?
I am dramaturging Charles Purcell and Zak Pidd’s Next Wave show, Apokalypsis – which has a season in May. Later in the year I am travelling to Croatia to direct La voix humaine by Francis Poulenc, an avant-garde mono opera for the National Theatre of Croatia.
Katy is directing the Australian premiere Catherine Anne-Toupin’s Right Now at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre: 21 April – 20 May 2018. For more information, visit: www.redstitch.net for details.
Image: Katy Maudlin (supplied)