Who is Mark Storen?
Right now I’m a freelance artist. I’m also the Co-Artistic Director of independent theatre company, Whiskey & Boots. I’m a performer / musician from Perth who’s mostly interested in storytelling with music.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Try to maximize the enjoyment and not get weighed down by the small stuff.
Who inspires you and why?
Kids inspire me. I teach a fair bit these days and listening to what they have to say is pretty inspiring. I’m always amazed by the resilience of people and impressed by folks who go their own way – it’s a hard thing to do.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Well the world’s gone pretty mad at the moment and there are some amazing people out there trying their best to make a difference. I think that’s all you can hope and expect from yourself – is to do your best, be kind to each other, and speak up when you think you can make a difference.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Italy. I love the people the food and the fact that you can walk past a 2000 year old wall on your way to get a coffee.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I like to take people to Perth Beaches. We have beautiful beaches so close to the city, and people are blown away!
What are you currently reading?
2666 by Roberto Bolano. I’ve been reading it for about three years. I’ve had a lot of distractions!
What are you currently listening to?
Dan Sultan, Queens of The Stone Age and Jake Bugg. I’ve also been listening to John Coltrane on vinyl and Tom Waits at least once a day to keep me focused!
Happiness is?
A Negroni.
What does the future hold for you?
In the near future the opportunity to come along and be a part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival with our show THE ONE by Jeffrey Jay Fowler. After that a holiday with my partner and some catch ups with family.
Mark Storen is a performer, writer, director and educator from Perth. He has travelled his work internationally and nationally, his most popular works include: The Polite Gentleman, (nominated for five Blue Room Awards, winner best production team) A Drunken Cabaret, Cut to The Quick, and Benjamin & Me (nominated best performance Blue Room Awards). Storen is currently the creative director of Propel Youth Arts WA. He has worked with Barking Gecko Theatre Company, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, Perth Theatre Company and Black Swan State Theatre Company.
THE ONE will be presented as part of the 2017 Melbourne Fringe: 15 – 30 September in Studio 2 – Arts House. For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au or www.whiskeyboots.com.au for details.
Image: Mark Storen (supplied)