Who is Monique Fisher?
A Melbourne born and raised actress who loves food, her dog and making art. She is the artistic director of the new production company ‘Around The Moon’ and is currently working on their debut show Lobby Hero at Fortyfivedownstairs in Melbourne.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
After high school, I was both training in acting and studying a bachelor of laws at the same time. After finishing the degree I decided to focus fully on acting. I find copyright and intellectual property law very interesting especially when it comes to the arts, so, in another life I would have become an entertainment lawyer who represents artists and musicians.
Who inspires you and why?
People who dedicate their lives to helping those less fortunate. My dear friend Alice spends her time working to help families and children in Melbourne who can’t afford education and that is truly inspiring to me because it is a very selfless way to contribute and makes a world of difference to the many families she is able to help. I’m also inspired by incredible writing. As we are now in rehearsals for Lobby Hero, Kenneth Lonergan is on my mind and his ability to write such layered characters with relatable humanity. Writing that is so connected and makes you feel deeply is very inspiring to me. And the ability to string it all into a story that questions our views and opinions on society at the same time is admirable.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I had super powers I’d create a way to solve world poverty. But since I don’t, I try to focus on the small things I can personally do everyday such as avoiding food waste, plastic and fast fashion.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
So hard to say. I want to go everywhere! Favourite thing to do in winter is to go down the surf coast and sit by the fire with a glass of red wine. And in Summer, going camping on beautiful beaches such as Salt Water Creek on the South Coast of New South Wales is my idea of heaven because I love swimming and exploring. I prefer discovering new places I haven’t been to yet to get a taste of something new.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to Tiamo on Lygon Street, it’s my favourite Italian Restaurant and I think everyone needs to taste it!
What are you currently reading?
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton – a beautifully written Australian story of brotherhood and coming-of-age. I am purposefully reading it slowly because I don’t want it to end! The writer depicts the mind of young boy in an incredibly captivating way whilst he navigates a life of poverty with drug addicted parents. Would definitely recommend!
What are you currently listening to?
RVG – a Melbourne band from the Northern Suburbs who I was lucky enough to see live earlier this year. I love spending my weekends seeing/listening to Melbourne bands live. I also started relistening to Les Misérables to help me with prep for an audition and now I can’t get it out of my head.
Happiness is?
Being in the moment. Being on stage. Working on a character in the rehearsal room, discovering and creating and having a moment of breakthrough where the character starts to feel very real and connected. Happiness is also walking down to Brunswick street on a Saturday night and watching live music!
What does the future hold for you?
Who knows! I will definitely continue to grow Around the Moon Productions, I want to venture into some screen projects as well as continuing with theatre too. I’d also love to live overseas for at some point. I’m going to take it as it comes.
Monique stars in Kenneth Lonergan’s Lobby Hero at fortyfivedownstairs from 23 October 2019. For more information, visit: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com or www.aroundthemoonproductions.com for details.
Image: Monique Fisher (supplied)