Who is Kate Walder?
I’m a theatre-maker and the Artistic Director of Steps & Holes, a multidisciplinary theatre company I founded in 2017. I grew up as a dancer/singer and graduated from WAAPA (BA Music Theatre) many years ago. I then studied clown and physical theatre in Paris at the Ecole Philippe Gaulier and I now incorporate these various disciplines into my work as a performer, director, movement director and writer.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Such a big question I ask myself regularly! The problem is it would still be in the realm of the poorly paid dream; a philosopher, a linguist, a monk who lives on the side of a mountain in Japan like Alan Watts.
At best I would probably say academia or psychology, but I’m quite disillusioned with what seems to be the ideological framework of university culture these days and I don’t think I have the patience to be a good therapist. I know at some point I would just say ‘OK, time to get on with it. Don’t you realise you’re going to die one day? Move the story forwards!’
Who inspires you and why?
I would have to start with some of my professional sources of inspiration such as Theatre de Complicite, Bob Wilson, James Thiérrée, Pina Bausch – artists who courageously followed their own artistic compass and built something bigger than themselves, in the form of a unique creative home (company).
Separate to theatre, I am inspired by deep thinkers like Stephen Fry and Christopher Hitchens who often exist in a contrarian space, but particularly brave writers and speakers who regularly risk their life to share their truth, such as Ayaan Hirshi Ali and Yasmine Mohammed.
Finally, I am inspired by my father – in whose memory I created Steps & Holes and whose values of beauty, art, integrity and courage guide my thinking and trajectory in the world.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
As it is, I endeavour to apply robust thinking to the work that I make through my company, because I believe the arts has a societal function beyond entertainment – which is to disseminate good ideas into the public discourse. I think as artists we have a responsibility to support the intellectual flourishing of civilian life, as well offering space for emotional release and existential contemplation.
That’s probably how I have chosen to make a difference in the world. But I would also like to one day speak on panels that explore the utility of the arts for connection and societal repair. And I would also love to save all the dogs in Asia, so many of whom suffer terribly. My monthly donations will have to suffice for now but if I ever win the lottery I will go and rescue them all.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Italy. History, architecture, art, food, passion, beauty, the echoes of greatness, stunning landscapes, a feeling that you can express yourself.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I am not a very good tour guide and am unfairly bored with the sites of Sydney. So I’d have to say something obvious like Bondi Beach, the Opera House, the AGNSW and a sexy restaurant like Alberto’s.
What are you currently reading?
Ulysses, James Joyce and The History of Philosophy, A C Grayling. It’s taking a while!
What are you currently listening to?
My Liked Songs on Spotify; a random mix of the last five years of music for theatre-making, running tunes and melancholic songs of heartbreak.
Happiness is?
Dogs. Especially my kelpie, Banjo. A deep sense of purpose. Creating something meaningful that is greater than yourself. Stretching the human spirit. Travel. Sunlight. Alone time. Love.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m really looking forward to performing in re:group collective’s acclaimed work POV on Saturday 12 July at the Bondi Pavilion. Following that, Steps & Holes has a residency also at the Pav in August on our new work, Noses are Red.
A show I made with Legs On The Wall is about to head on tour so I’ll reconnect with that and then I’m (hopefully) off to Europe, to attend some arts festivals and do some research for our next show, A pilgrim in search of a bull named Carlo.
Kate can be seen in re:group performance collective’s POV on Saturday 12 July – which will be presented at the Bondi Pavilion as part of the 2025 Bondi Festival. For more information, visit: www.bondifestival.com.au for details.
Image: Kate Walder (supplied)