Who is Sonya Suares?
An optimist. Admittedly, my faith in people and the world at large is taking an absolute hammering at the moment, but … I’m sort of stuck with my default optimism. It’s baked into who I am as a person, parent and practitioner.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
For years I’ve been trying to embed ‘hibernation’ into my annual calendar with mixed success – so that’s a goal! But having peeked back at how I answered this question 12 years ago, I’ll give myself credit for working towards slowing things down, making more time for morning walks, books and rest in general.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m still inspired by quiet types – people who face incredible hardship with grace, those who maintain hope and humour under the most dire of circumstances. But I would add that I’m also in awe of people who speak out against inhumanity and injustice despite becoming targets for vitriol and calculated, algorithmic vilification. Rosie Batty, Francesca Albanese, Arundhati Roy – these women are extraordinary to me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Encourage compassion. Theatre is (predominantly) how I speak to the world and so I try to encourage compassion and empathy via the stories I commit to telling, and also by how I (we) go about telling them. You can run rooms inscribed by joy, care and rigour – it’s possible. And I want to get amongst clearing up the marine debris in our oceans somehow.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Ooh this one’s changed a bit. I’ve discovered Trinity Beach just south of Port Douglas. Same extraordinary landscape, with all the incredible national parks a road trip away – just a little more secluded.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I remain a big fan of road trips. Olinda and Warburton both hold a special place in my heart. I do also love heading down the peninsula for getaways. But if we’re keeping it local in Melbourne, then it’s the gardens or the theatres. I love taking friends to shows.
What are you currently reading?
Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age by Tom Holland.
What are you currently listening to?
The score for Company. Gosh, this is exactly how I answered for Pacific Overtures last time around, but I do tend to fall into rabbit hole in the lead up to Sondheim seasons. I guess some things really don’t change – and his scores truly are incredible.
Happiness is?
My family. My daughter Naiya was born since answering this question last. She was three months old in our Watch This rehearsal room for Company – she’s now 11. Daniel’s in Year 11, so 16 and rapidly seeing out his childhood. We also have our puppy Leo in the mix these days – Nick’s currently holding down the fort with all three while I’m in Perth directing. I’m so grateful for our household, and for our extended / chosen family. They make everything possible – and worthwhile.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ll be directing Cleopatra & Antony for Melbourne Shakespeare Company with a ripper cast, so do come to see us at fortyfivedownstairs in August/ September. I have three exciting theatre development on the hop; all very different works but each led by South Asian artists, which is a treat.
PlayLab Theatre is publishing The Lucky Country libretto – so keep an eye out for that. Longer term, I still hold hope for seeing the inside of an igloo, the Aurora Australis and with any luck, casting confirmation for that elusive space western. Let’s see!
Sonya will direct Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts’ production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company – which will be presented at the State Theatre Centre of WA from 6 – 11 June 2026.
Image: Sonya Suares (supplied)