On the Couch with Sam Anderson

Sam Anderson AAR On the CouchWho is Sam Anderson?
I feel I have been grappling for an answer to this question for over 15 years and (at 34) I needed to write a one person show about this very question. (BI-CYCLE) is my attempt to bring clarity and reach my authentic self through my art.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I used to draw all through high school (while the teacher was talking). What I would do differently to what I do now would be to pursue a career in fine arts. As a painter. I’d love to master that craft too!

Who inspires you and why?
People who are 110% who they are. In their bodies, their fashion, their voices! People who don’t hide any parts of themselves. Also people who create something from nothing. Especially when they are ahead of their time and the world hasn’t caught up yet – Freddie Mercury, Peter Allen, Brett Whiteley and Xavier Dolan and Stieg Larsson are just some of a mix of those authentic voices I admire.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would take my one person show into high schools around Australia for the rest of my life and entertain kids (hiding the education in my show) …”spoonfull of sugar” method. That was always my favourite part of school, when the theatre troupes came to town!

Favourite holiday destination and why?
New York (in the summer) is my favourite holiday destination…coming out of a freezing cold theatre at intermission and being swamped by the sweet subway smell, the smoke out of the nearest manhole and the heat, is one of my favourite feelings.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
A good yoga class! I always like to sweat with my best friends… Then probably the NGV. A walk around The Tan! And then a coffee from somewhere on Gertrude Street.

What are you currently reading?
The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs PhD

What are you currently listening to?
The Greatest Showman Soundtrack – songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (song 4: Come Alive-my fav!!)

Happiness is?
Being authentic and true to yourself in your own body, heart and mind in each breath. Happiness is living the life you see for yourself, not someone else, especially not your parents. Also having someone to come home to and hold, and be held is also a part of what happiness feels like to me…

What does the future hold for you?
Authenticity. Getting up every day and putting my energy in to performing, writing and creating shows and hopefully touring and seeing the world as I pursue what I love; and someone beside me to share the journey/my days.

Sam will present his one-man show, BI-CYCLE at A Space Called Thelma – Raj House as part of the 2018 Adelaide Fringe: 20 – 25 February. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details.

Image: Sam Anderson (supplied)