Who is Matilda Ridgway?
When I meet Matilda she is reclining in a beat up leather armchair, she is charmingly disheveled, she smells of peaches. She is wearing a vintage leather jacket. Or is she wearing the arm chair? Where does the leather jacket end and the armchair begin? Where does Matilda meet the leather? Who is Matilda? Or you could write: Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?
What would you do differently to what you now?
This is difficult. If “sliders” taught us anything it’s that parallel universes are not a pick and mix so much as a lucky dip. If I got to choose what I wanted I would ask for More dancing. More singing. More Karaoke. More dogs. More roller coasters. More water slides. More raspberries. But maybe not at the expense of my life now. This weird wonderful life is mine and mine alone, if I don’t chose it, who will?
Who inspires you and why?
People who see the world differently, who are independent, creative, brave and kind. Oddballs. Beyoncé, Simon McBurney, John Berger, Katie Mitchell, my mum, my partner, my family.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Mmm like a god? Like I just get to choose a difference? Or are you provoking my individual responsibility in the face of global geopolitical forces? I feel helpless and impotent. I blame the internet. Seriously… I think empathy is a beautiful thing. I think advocacy and protest is sexy.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Middle of the bush near Mon Repos beach when the turtles are hatching. Camping with my partner. Ice cold cans of beers and a million stars.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Swim at Bronte Beach and a walk through the gully. It’s free and it’s close to my house so… also we can get Iggys bread.
What are you currently reading?
G by John Berger. It’s really sexy and political. How that makes sense…
What are you currently listening to?
Julia Jacklin, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Morby, Father John Misty, Joan as Policewoman.
Happiness is?
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs its self actualisation. But you need all the basic needs met before you can look at such lofty goals. I wish we could all afford the same outlook.
What does the future hold for you?
The inevitable heat death of the universe.
Matilda is currently starring in John Patrick Shanley’s award-winning play, Doubt: A Parable at the Old Fitz Theatre, Woolloomooloo until 3 June 2017. For more information, visit: www.redlineproductions.com.au for details.
Image: Matilda Ridgway (supplied)