On the Couch with Miss Behave

ACM Miss Behave - photo by Dave PickensWho is Miss Behave?
A maverick. Entertainer, producer, creator, and most definitely a troublemaker. Unabashedly independent and tenacious.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I honestly don’t know. Run a small venue that was always full and always stayed true to its roots… or a school teacher… yeah, dunno.

Who inspires you and why?
South Park. They never compromise, they’ve never sold out and they never pull their punches. They say what they want, mock the powers that be relentlessly, and they’re f***ing funny.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Insist on conversation, debate and critical thinking. Without these we are truly f***ed, and they’re fading.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve never really understood holidays. I am happiest when I am neck deep in a project that I believe in. The closest to holidays I manage is when I get sick and can’t get out of bed, whether I like it or not.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In Vegas I take them to downtown, Fremont… old Vegas. It doesn’t matter what time of day or night, the spectacle, hustle and human excess is a never-ending source of fascination and delight.

What are you currently reading?
Re-reading The Pilo Family Circus. Brilliant book about clowns and chaos. Also on the go Finite and Infinite Games by James P Carse… playing games is all society really does. Humans are a funny species.

What are you currently listening to?
Stay Tuned with Preet Bharara. I know that’s not music, but I am OBSESSED with the politics and scandals of now. He is my voice of sanity within.

Happiness is?
Having purpose and passion and working hard to realize said purpose and passion.

What does the future hold for you?
To play a (hopefully) large part in keeping live entertainment relevant and engaging for audiences the world over, through quality and integrity. To quote Bill Hicks “It’s just a ride, and we can change it any time we want. It’s just a choice. A choice between love and fear.” I choose love.

Miss Behave (Amy Saunders) stars in The Miss Behave Gameshow in the Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne from 22 January as part of the 2019 Midsumma Festival, before heading to the Canberra Theatre Centre from 29 January 2019.

Image:Miss Behave – photo by Dave Pickens