Who is Robert Reid?
Robert Reid is the Artistic Director of Pop Up Playground. He’s a playwright who’s written for the Melbourne Theatre Company and a theatre historian who’s in the process of publishing his PhD on independent theatre in Melbourne. He’s also me.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’ve never really wanted to do anything else. The same thing in a different form maybe? Like novelist or musician. Or really left of field… Maybe an Astronomer. Though I’ve definitely not got the math skills for it.
Who inspires you and why?
Lately I’ve found myself inspired by old horror comics from the 90’s. Writers like Alan Moore, Garth Ennis and Grant Morrison. It’s their approach to mythology and contemporary literature that inspires the worlds and stories we make for Pop Up Playground.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
People need to play more. Particularly adults. We’ve fallen into the habit of thinking play is only good for children but when we play more we meet people we normally wouldn’t mix with, we exercise our imagination, our bodies and our social skills. All these things make us better people and the world a better place. So I’d make more opportunities for people to play more. And I do!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
At home. We’re out working on games and shows all the time so just being able to stay in without people emailing or calling or needing things… it’s just nice to have some time off at home. Though, that said, we went to Japan on our honeymoon and that was amazing, so I could just say Japan… Also La Mama theatre in Carlton. Because it’s the most important theatre in the country.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Small Time Criminals – the fully immersive bank heist experience that Pop Up Playground run. Not just because it’s our game and we’re very proud of it, but also because it’s not really like anything you can do anywhere else. Unless you rob banks for real, which we don’t encourage.
What are you currently reading?
Fables by Bill Willingham.
What are you currently listening to?
A.B. Original. The Geraldine Fibbers. Bloodhound Gang.
Happiness is?
Two kinds of ice cream. Knowing a secret. Climbing a tree.
What does the future hold for you?
Well, for the next three months I’ll be working on Pop Up Playground’s new street adventure Outside: The Cloud. After that, who knows!
Outside: The Cloud plays throughout inner city Melbourne and the CBD: 23 January – 26 March 2017. For more information and bookings, visit: www.popupplayground.com.au for details.
Image: Robert Reid (supplied)