Who is Mary Helen Sassman?
A parent (to four excellent, kind and curious kids), a theatre artist, actor and dramaturg. My creative practice is playfully committed to works that experiment with form to build new possibilities with audiences, works that interrogate and facilitate the conversations that feel important.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Bank Robber: masks, water pistols, getaway car, and a tight crew.
Who inspires you and why?
My main collaborator – Warwick Sassman, architect and artist – defiantly creative. Also, every activist ever (quiet and loud) who won’t rest until peace, equity and treaty is on all of our lips.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
First and forever, I would listen more deeply to our First Nations custodians. Then, I would collect all the global bullies, invite them to sit through some heart opening Bayo Akomolafe and Padraig O’Touma readings before promising to put a pause on outer space tourism until world hunger has ended and peace secured.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Cape Town SA (family plus music plus theatre plus Table Mountain).
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d take them to two cultural institutions; we’d share a meal at Cicciolina (so yum, so cozy) before walking to a show at Theatre Works. Beautiful food followed by local independent artists defiantly thriving and taking wonderful creative risks, despite the desolate arts funding crisis.
What are you currently reading?
Cheng Lei’s A Memoir of Freedom. Highly recommend – a Naarm-based mother, journalist sharing a devastating story of detention in China with a creativity and humour that sustained her towards her freedom.
What are you currently listening to?
John Coltrane random mix of brilliance, any way it comes. Works great when listened to on a run, a pre-rehearsal warm up and on a public transport commute.
Happiness is?
A walk with a friend preferably along a beach.
What does the future hold for you?
Growing up, making new artistic creations, forging fruitful collaborations and playing well into the twilight.
Mary Helen Sassman can be seen in The Machine Stops – a play by Briony Dunn, adapted from the novella by E.M. Forster – which plays at Theatre Works, St Kilda, from 22 – 30 August 2025. For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au for details.
Image: Mary Helen Sassman (supplied)