Who is Stephen Nicolazzo?
A crass pervert who adores making theatre and doesn’t take himself too seriously.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Nothing. I recently attempted to do something else and it broke me. You can’t run from the thing that drives you, even if it means making sacrifices. Having said that, I do love teaching at universities and sharing some of the skills I’ve developed over the last ten years with new artists. You get to flex a completely different muscle when you are teaching, and it can be so inspiring.
Who inspires you and why?
Christos Tsiolkas and Madonna. Why? They are subversive, blunt, gentle, and sensuous. They speak to my experience as a queer ethnic kid and have always inspired me to see beyond circumstance, embrace my own grotesqueries and make art.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Continue to make work that represents queer experiences. It’s a tiny thing, and it may not make a difference to the world, but it can certainly inspire audiences, queer or not, to consider alternative perspectives and embrace complex and thrilling aspects of sexuality. That’s my contribution. And I guess I could minimise my carbon footprint or something?
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Cape Otway National Park. My boyfriend and I go almost every year with a group of friends and it is the most hysterical, relaxing, and joyful time – beach, bush, and beer. I was never one for outdoor adventures, and, of a truth, I still suck at it, but something about putting up my palace of a tent (seriously, it has a laundry chute), reading books, drinking and swimming with no phone reception is just divinity.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Yellow Peril…
What are you currently reading?
I’m re-reading a book called Pig Tales by Marie Darrieussecq. It’s a horror-fantasy satire about a sex worker who transforms into a pig.
What are you currently listening to?
Gloria Estefan and Girlfriend. If people don’t know either of those, look them up!
Happiness is?
Dancing to Like a Prayer.
What does the future hold for you?
Theatre.
Stephen is currently directing the Australian premiere season of Jen Silverman’s The Moors for Red Stitch: The Actors’ Theatre until 9 July 2017. For more information, visit: www.redstitch.net for details.
Image: Stephen Nicolazzo – photo by Benjamin Rigby