Who is Lucia Mastrantone?
Lucia has worked in the entertainment industry for 37 years primarily as a performer, voice artist and physical performer and in other creative roles writer, movement director and director. My greatest creative adventure is being a mamma and partner. I am the ridiculously proud mother of two incredible young men Francesco 20-years-old studying directing at AFTRS and Valentino 19-years-old studying composition and Jazz at the Conservatorium of Music. My partner and muse, Gavin Robins is a director and Choreographer and the finest life-improviser I know.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
My other passion is architecture and creating evocative spaces. My father was a builder so perhaps in another lifetime I could have been a builder or owned a fabulous restaurant, nightclub or theatre.
Who inspires you and why?
My sons because they are the next generation of creatives in a new world, different to the one I grew up in and my partner because he thinks big and always on an international level. Jacinda Ardern as a true world leader, David Attenborough as a pure observer of creatures, Martin Scorsese as cinematic genre maker, Guillermo del Toro as my favourite living film maker and Robert La Page as the pinnacle contemporary theatre maker that I would beg borrow and steal to work with.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I have worked with various communities some disadvantaged and from cultural minority groups. I have created theatre, music and dance with these communities which has brought joy, escapism and artistic expression into peoples’ lives. I want to keep doing these artistic projects as it heals all our souls.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The island of Ischia just off the coast of Naples. It is an unknown Southern Italian paradise. My family is from Naples and this Island is the haven for all the best and quintessential aspects of the Neapolitan culture. The sense of humour, the dialect, the Mediterranean sea, the seafood, the music and the glint of naughtiness in all the locals’ emerald green eyes.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Of course the breath taking water view walks: Bondi to Coogee, the Harbour and city harbour beaches. Also all the brilliant culturally rich suburbs like Lakemba, Marrickville, Bankstown Ashfield, China Town. Then to all the Underground eateries, bars and Jazz bar’s in the CBD, Huberts, The Baxter Inn etc.
What are you currently reading?
Just finished Joan Crawford: A biography by Bob Thomas and just started Orbital by Samantha Harvey.
What are you currently listening to?
French 60’s pop.
Happiness is?
Cooking an extravagant and decadent meal for my family after a big day of gardening, swimming and seeing some live performance or Art.
What does the future hold for you?
Many creative opportunities are ahead of me this year and I’m thrilled to say a couple of them will be lead by me and in collaboration with my Sons and partner.
Lucia stars as Joan Crawford in Anton Burge’s Bette & Joan – which is currently playing at the Ensemble Theatre until 25 April 2026. For more information, visit: www.ensemble.com.au for details.
Image: Lucia Mastrantone (supplied)