Who is Louisa Cusumano?
I am a queer, Italian-Australian, actor, writer, producer, music lover, dancing enthusiast, a Pisces, a sister, a cousin, a friend, a soon to be aunty, a granddaughter, a make up lover, a baker, a regular beach go-er, a diva and frequent wearer of animal print.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I wasn’t an actor, I’d like to be an archaeologist. I want to travel and dig up ancient artifacts and reconnect humans to the past. There’s so much to learn from the past, and that’s the most exciting thing to me, it’s all right here still with us.
Who inspires you and why?
So many people! My mum, my dad, my siblings, my friends, my nonni, my cousins, activists, artists, people on Instagram who I have parasocial relationships with. I just love seeing people living like trying everyday to make the next day better than the days before, whether that’s for themselves or for the empowerment of others.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I aspire to always lead my creative practice with love and spread joy and compassion. I believe we need land back, treaty, trans rights, reparations, more compassion, more inclusivity, more patience, more accountability and a free Palestine, a free Congo, a free Sudan. My goal in life is to use my art, my community, my knowledge and my resources to advocate for human kind, and leave this world a little better than it was when I arrived.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Madrid! Such a beautiful city, the people are so nice and gorgeous and the flamenco left me speechless. I think a good holiday destination has you thinking, I could live here by the end of your trip.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’m taking them shopping!!! My friends are much like me and love pretty clothes – so we’re hitting up all the giant vintage stores Melbourne has to offer.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. It’s a big book that traces the history of one family. So far I’m only about 100 pages in and am finally starting to get a grip on all the family members.
What are you currently listening to?
I am currently listening to my summer playlist on Spotify. It’s a mixture of some Janet Jackson, some JT, some Kali Uchis, some Solange and a bit of Mariah. Just songs that make me feel like I’m having a lush day at the beach.
Happiness is?
To me, happiness is doing what you love with people you love. Having a meal with my family or going out to dance with my friends. I am an extrovert, people make me very happy.
What does the future hold for you?
Well, I start Uni next year which I’m very excited about! I am going to spend 3 years learning as much as humanly possible about the ancient world and I’m so keen!! I also plan to do some more writing, some more acting and hopefully some more travelling too. I also have exciting plans for my production company VILE. For our second year, we’ve got a lot of the campiest, craziest theatre lined up for 2026 that we can’t wait to share!!
Louisa can be see in GAG REFLEX by Flick – which will play at the La Mama Courthouse from 7 – 23 May 2026. For more information, visit: www.lamama.com.au for details.
Image: Louisa Cusumano (supplied)