Who is James Scott?
If we are defined by what we do then I am an actor, director and teacher. I see myself as a creative spirit looking to make sense of the world through the telling of stories.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would love to read more novels. I read plays and non-fiction, but find it hard to make time for novels. I read a lot when I was younger, but now there never seems to be the time or energy required.
Who inspires you and why?
Right now I am inspired by Samuel Beckett. He had such a rich understanding of humanity, and working on Godot has made me feel more alive and in touch with the world. He has encouraged me to find meaning in the present rather than in the past or future.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think the biggest difference we can make is to care for those around you. Our impact is on individuals. There have been people in my life who have shaped and inspired me, and made my life more beautiful, and if I can be that person to someone else, I am very happy.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Binalong Bay, Tasmania. I have been holidaying there since I was a boy. There is a rock there that I fish from whenever I am down there, and I love standing on it and watching the sun set whether the fish are biting or not.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Canberra is awash with great cultural landmarks, and we usually visit some of those. But I like to take people to see whatever is on at the theatre. I think we really discover a place by hearing the stories that come out of it. So if you want to know Canberra, see what is playing in the theatres.
What are you currently reading?
Maria Shevtsova’s Rediscovering Stanislavsky. According to Shevtsova, much of our understanding of Stanislavsky comes from American mis-translations from the mid 20th Century, and they miss much of the fundamentals that the great Russian director and teacher had to say.
What are you currently listening to?
I am a devotee of the Freakonomics podcast. I never liked economics at school, but now I am really interested in behavioral economics and the power of incentives. It is part of nearly every aspect of our lives, and explains much of why we do things the way we do.
Happiness is?
Realising that you can be content with less.
What does the future hold for you?
As an actor ages, they say goodbye to certain roles. I’m too old now for Henry the Fifth or Romeo, but getting closer to King Lear. I hope I can keep acting for many, many years.
James can be seen in The Street’s highly anticipated production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot performing in the role of Lucky alongside Craig Alexander, Christopher Samuel Carroll, and PJ Williams playing at The Street Theatre in Canberra from 9 – 24 November 2024. For more information, visit: www.thestreet.org.au for details.
Image: James Scott (supplied)