Who is Airlie Dodds?
Good lord haha. I’m not sure – I’m one of four kids, I grew up in Wollstonecraft. I love the beach, ocean water swimming and playing tennis and basketball. I think if I was very honest, I would say I was quite a shy person, I can be more outgoing and conversational around people I connect with and I am very fond of my friends and protective of those I love, but not great in groups. I read a lot. I think my friends would say I was disorganised, frank or maybe overly cavalier sometimes – I can run my mouth – but basically kind.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I think if I could do anything maybe a long form interview type of journalist, or journalism with a travel component. I also like developing writing and new work. I directed a short film last year and I enjoyed that immensely but trying to find something else to say. I can’t be intentional with anything I’m not really connected to and even then I find it difficult, even so it can be so affirming and exacting. It is something I want to learn and know a lot more about.
Who inspires you and why?
Probably my parents. As you get older you just see how much they do for you, often at the expense of their own lives and how they really are the only two people on earth who give a fuck about you haha. I really respond and admire people who can be completely honest about who they are, and risk the discomfort of others to fully inhabit themselves. It is increasingly difficult to stay in your own body the way culture is constructed, and I think also to have honest and meaningful relationships.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Gosh I have no idea! I would love to work in the NT for a period, make more films, work on interesting plays. I try and recycle, and be there for the people I love. I want to make films about relationship dynamics and the struggle of the individual against societal pressures but how that ultimately incarnates and carves out the self.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m not a massive traveller these past few years I’ve been so broke haha, but I’ve been to Alice Springs a few times and that was so fun and beautiful. It is the very centre of the country, and the stillness and the landscape is extremely unique and serene. I would like to go to Ireland, Turkey or Greece soon, and am attracted to long solo walks like the Larapinta Trail or the Camino.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Probably Clovelly Beach, Ku-ring-gai National Park, Icebergs for a cheap sauna, despite the strange locals that plague the sauna it is pretty nice. There’s good coffee at Harry’s in Bondi. I like the produce markets, or the Ritz Cinema. I lived in Coogee in COVID, so the walk from South Coogee to Maroubra is special to me.
What are you currently reading?
Not reading anything just going over my lines, but I like M Scott Peck’s books on psycho-spirituality, The Road Less Travelled, Further Along The Road Less Travelled, and this book he wrote about human evil called The People Of The Lie. I try and read them when I am confusing myself and over complicating things in my mind.
What are you currently listening to?
I sort of rinse similar music, and come back to certain things at certain times. I got into that song, Because I Love You by The Masters Apprentices the other week, Crucify Your Mind by Rodriguez. I like David Gray. I love the Beach Boys. I like Australian Rap haha. My taste is shonky, don’t listen to me.
Happiness is?
Doing something you like, being around people who understand you and above all things, feeling happy with who you are and ok in your skin.
What does the future hold for you?
After the play I want to travel for a few months. A friend and I are working on a TV concept in development with Macgowan Films and aim to finish that next year. I’d like to make more films.
Airlie can be seen as Jenna in Laura Wade’s Colder Than Here – currently playing at the Ensemble Theatre until 12 October 2024. For more information, visit: www.ensemble.com.au for details.
Image: Airlie Dodds (supplied)