Who is Tim Roseman?
I’m a director, dramaturg, producer and Artistic Director of Playwriting Australia, the national new play development company. I’m half Australian, half English. I’m a dad, a non-mushroom eating vegetarian, and a below-average chess player.*
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d respect stop signs. But only on roads. Stop signs in art tend to be made to be ignored.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by people who have a unique way of thinking about the world. Often they’re playwrights – Patricia Cornelius, is one – there’s a ferocity and drive in how she thinks about the world that is addictively compelling.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Find a way to make people understand that thinking about other people isn’t political correctness or an invasion of their liberties, it’s simply treating them with respect.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The Greek Islands. Calmness, tranquility, sheer beauty and plenty of vegetarian-friendly food.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I like to take them to the Playwriting Australia office as it overlooks the harbour and has one of the best views in town. It’s important to gloat to out-of-towners.
What are you currently reading?
Susan Faludi’s Stiffed – the Betrayal of Modern Man as research for Savages and Michael Chabon’s Telegraph Avenue.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m having quite a time rediscovering all that brilliant early Dylan.
Happiness is?
Easier to find than we often let ourselves think.
What does the future hold for you?
My son’s first birthday party. And it’s preview week for Savages – so quite a lot of coffee.
Tim is currently directing Patricia Cornelius’s extraordinary play, Savages for Darlinghurst Theatre Company at the Eternity Playhouse: 6 April – 1 May 2016. For more information, visit: www.darlinghursttheatre.com for details.
Image: Tim Roseman – photo by Helen White
Note: *I don’t know how to play chess!