Who is Emma J. Hawkins?
I’m 48, a short statured performer who has worked in everything from Shakespeare to burlesque, circus and even singing for my supper. I’m also a trained bookkeeper, so I can balance a budget just as well as I can balance on top of someone’s head! Artistically I love to create art that think a little outside of the box.
Away from work, I love spending time with my husband, Ryan, and our dog, Hank, growing veggies in our garden and latch-hooking.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would spend less time worrying about other people’s expectations and trust my own instincts sooner. I’d say yes to the things that excite me, no to the things that drain me and stop waiting for permission to create my own opportunities.
Who inspires you and why?
People who are brave enough to be completely themselves – particularly women and disabled people who challenge expectations and refuse to be put into neat little boxes. I’m inspired by the great actresses like Dame Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Helena Botham Carter who aren’t afraid to be themselves in an industry which like to stereotype women over a certain age. I’m also inspired by the people closest to me, my friends and my husband, Ryan, who supports all the strange and wonderful directions my life takes.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d like to help create a world where disabled people are seen as leaders, artists, professionals and fully rounded human beings – not simply as stories of adversity or inspiration porn. I’d like people to become more curious about one another and less inclined to make assumptions based on appearance. I’d also very much like all the items I need in a supermarket to be on a lower shelf.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere warm, near the water and with wonderful food. My creative life can be very busy, so my ideal holiday involves slowing down, enjoying my surroundings and having absolutely nowhere I need to be – preferably with Ryan and Hank beside me. Bonus points if someone else is doing the cooking!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d take them to Geelong’s great spots by waterfront or down to Torquay to have a bite to eat by the sea.
What are you currently reading?
At the moment, I seem to be reading far too many schedules, budgets and emails! When I escape from those, I love a good murder mystery. I currently have a Richard Osman audiobook loaded up and ready to go…
What are you currently listening to?
I’m currently listening to the wonderfully strange and beautiful sound world Dan West has created for EXHIBIT. It includes music, voices and all sorts of unexpected noises that is generated from Leisa and me. When I’m not working, I love to listen to records of the iconic Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner and Bette Midler.
Happiness is?
Happiness is laughing until you can’t breathe at life’s absurdities. Singing silly songs in the kitchen about our dog Hank. Having a good coffee catch up with friends. Putting on your comfies after a long day. It’s getting to eat a delicious meal Ryan cooked from our garden, settling into some latch-hooking and bingeing a new series on the couch.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully more adventures, laughter, travel and opportunities I haven’t imagined yet. I’d like to keep performing and creating while leaving space to enjoy life with Ryan and Hank, grow our garden and make things with my hands. Most importantly, I want to remain curious, keep surprising myself and become louder, wiser and less interested in behaving as I get older.
A Few Fun Facts!
- I’m a trained bookkeeper and a circus performer—two careers that require an excellent sense of balance.
- I have performed Shakespeare, burlesque, circus, musicals, children’s theatre and physical theatre.
- I can balance on top of someone’s head.
- I love gardening with my husband, Ryan, and spending time with our dog, Hank.
- I’m a passionate latch-hooker. I handmade two enormous tapestries for our Melbourne Fringe show, EXHIBIT, with approximately 86,000 individual pieces of wool hand-looped into each tapestry!
- My friend and collaborator Leisa Prowd and I are so often mistaken for one another that we created an entire show about being seen and mis-seen.
- I love murder mysteries, but I’m much better at solving spreadsheet discrepancies.
- I have no intention of growing old gracefully – I’d rather grow older loudly, colourfully and a little bizarrely.
Emma stars with Leisa Prowd in EXHIBIT – which will be presented at La Mama Courthouse, as part of the 2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival, from 30 September – 4 October. For more information, visit: www.lamama.com.au for details.
Image: Leisa Prowd (left) and Emma J. Hawkins (right) – photo by Nicole Tsourlenes