Who is Maki Morita?
Maki Morita is me, hi. I’m a writer and theatre maker, and at the moment I’m interested in how technology is shaping what it means to be human, a crisis in spirituality in the West, the loneliness of not quite knowing a language, and the general absurdity of being alive in 2025, among other things. These themes have been on my mind as I work towards putting on my play 月を見る夜 Moongazing in February.
I’ve moved around quite a lot, from a small college town in the US to Sydney and now Melbourne, with some time spent in Japan as well, which I suppose has shaped my worldview. I’ve been writing since I was in high school, which mostly involved posting bad poems and short stories on my now defunct WordPress blog…
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would put more energy into mutual aid and helping my local community. I would find a healthy way to receive an income and do creative work. I’m also interested in writing for film and TV, so I would probably try and find some avenues for that.
Who inspires you and why?
Pina Bausch is one of my longstanding artistic inspirations. I also love the work of Young Jean Lee and Caryl Churchill. I remember watching the films of Hirokazu Koreeda for the first time as a teenager and being really moved by them. Lately I’m also inspired by activists like Plestia Alaqad and Greta Thunberg, who aren’t afraid to speak out about the genocide in Gaza.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Magically erase all forms of bigotry, have more third spaces where communities can gather, and make healthcare free everywhere.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
A few years ago I went on a road trip with a bunch of friends from Uluru to Mparntwe (Alice Springs), mostly camping in the bush. There’s something so beautiful about the red earth and vastness of the skies in Luritja and Arrernte country. I would love to go back.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I think the most fun ‘attractions’ in this city are activity-based, like having a picnic in Carlton Gardens or going to see a gig. So if friends came to visit I would invite them to do something like that.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished reading Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte. It’s a collection of intersecting short stories about lonely rejects who spiral into some toxic wormholes of the internet. I found it to be a highly bingeable, hilarious, and uncomfortable reading experience.
I read that in between the final chapters of Living a Feminist Life by Sara Ahmed, which is a radical and accessible manifesto on, as you may have guessed, living a feminist life. I really appreciate Ahmed’s writing for grounding critical theory in the everyday. Now I’m deciding what to read next.
What are you currently listening to?
LUX by Rosalia and Lily Allen’s iconic comeback album West End Girl. Smerz, Oklou, Sudan Archives and Saya Gray have also been on rotation. I recently discovered Cibo Matto and love them.
Happiness is?
Being in the company of good friends and eating something delicious, maybe with a book in hand while in the surrounds of nature. If some of my favourite artists from above were playing live then that would be perfect.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully more travels and other adventures. Oh and my play in February at La Mama HQ of course…!
Maki Morita is the playwright of 月を見る夜 Moongazing – which will be presented at La Mama HQ from 4 – 22 February 2026. For more information, visit: www.lamama.com.au for details.
Image: Maki Morita (supplied)