On the Couch with Kurt Kansley

Kurt Kansley AAR On the CouchWho is Kurt Kansley?
I am a London based Australian actor. I have worked internationally as an actor for about 21 years. I am currently play Che in Evita – this role has been a home coming for me after working in London for the last 15 years.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’m a person that has no regrets and believe that the tapestry of experience I’ve had in my life are what make me who I am today. I could not imagine being anything else but a creative, but in a ‘pipe dream’ I guess I would perhaps be a professional tennis player.

Who inspires you and why?
My parents inspire me because they work hard, they are generous and they are kind and good hearted people who constantly remind me that it is the small simple and good deeds in life that matter.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I write and create my own work. I believe that this is where I can make a difference in the world because through my art I can express the message of what I believe and through my creation I can potentially create opportunities for others to shine and for others to work.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
I have been to Spain many times on holiday and all over Spain including some of the beautiful islands. It is a very relaxed place, the people are really relaxed and friendly (like Australians), I love Spanish food and it’s a great country to enjoy the sunshine and the beach.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I like to take my friends to the Dandenong Ranges, the drive is beautiful, the air and nature are fantastic, there are lots of lovely places like Devonshire tea houses and galleries to visit. There are incredible panoramic views of Melbourne for the top of the mountain. Plus it is close to where my family home is.

What are you currently reading?
I have been reading The Motorcycle Diaries – Che Guevara’s memoirs while he toured South America on a motorcycle.

What are you currently listening to?
I am listening to the Broadway soundtrack of Hamilton and Hamilton – Mix Tape.

Happiness is?
Happiness is something that we are responsible for finding within ourselves, happiness exists in the simple things and grows out of acts of kindness, empathy and gratitude.

What does the future hold for you?
I have been creating my own original theatre in London and there will be some exciting new productions opening on the international stage written by myself and my writing partner, we are Kansley & Lidert. My acting career will continue and hopefully playing Che in Evita will open up some doors for me as a leading man in Australia.

Kurt stars as Che in the Australian production of Evita – which plays at Arts Centre Melbourne from 5 December 2018. For more information, visit: www.evitathemusical.com.au for details.

Image: Kurt Kansley (supplied)