Who is Vidya Makan?
Vidya Makan has been many things; at times a queen, at times the wife of America’s first treasury secretary, but currently, she is the composer lyricist of one of Australia’s most timely and groundbreaking new musicals, The Lucky Country.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I could, I’d get everyone to take an hour out of their day, and I’d make them listen to The Lucky Country. This show and its songs could not be more urgent than this very moment we are finding ourselves in as a nation.
Who inspires you and why?
My First Nations collaborators and colleagues. They consistently demonstrate a generosity, resilience and strength that I don’t really have words to describe. All I can say is that I’m so thankful for the influence mob have made to my life. They truly inspire me every day.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Well, I wrote a musical! The Lucky Country was born out of a guttural needs to re-examine who we are as Australians. I wanted to centre minority voices and lean into some really tricky and complex conversations. But I wanted to do it all the while making people laugh, dance and laugh some more.
I wrote 13 original songs that all tell different stories about who we are. Some are utterly ridiculous. Like… RIDICULOUS. Some will hit you at your very core. Some will wrap your in a warm hug. And some… you might just think… wtf?!
All in all, this musical does something that has never been done in Australian musical theatre before. And I truly believe in the power of that. The Lucky Country is my little contribution to make a difference in the world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Gotta be Noosa – beautiful Kabi Kabi Country.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well, I’m consistently moving between Melbourne, Sydney and Brissy. In Melbourne, it’s probably dinner at Moroccan Soup Bar and a show. In Sydney, it’s a day at any beach on the east coast and a drink at Bar Conte. In Brissy, it’s a simple stroll through Southbank along the river.
What are you currently reading?
Wicked! I’ve been sitting on the last 200 pages of this book all year. I really need to finish it.
What are you currently listening to?
I kid you not, The Lucky Country Original Cast Album is currently on repeat in preparation for our season! I’m not ashamed to say it. Our cast sound on FIRE. And look I may have written these songs… but it is a whole other things learning the lyrics and harmonies!
Happiness is?
Community showing up for each other.
What does the future hold for you?
More original Australian musicals. I have big plans mates. Come be a part of this first chapter of it with The Lucky Country.
Vidya is the Composer and Lyricist of The Lucky Country – which will be presented at the Southbank Theatre – The Lawler, Melbourne, from 13 – 18 October, before playing at the Brisbane Powerhouse as part of MELT Festival from 22 – 26 October 2025.
Image: Vidya Makan – photo by Ruby Clark