Who is Alex Bryant-Smith?
A Sydney kid from the Inner West who caught the theatre bug and became a professional actor. The last two years I have been moving into directing, and The Angry Brigade is my latest project, at the New Theatre in October.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
As I get older I become more and more aware of the privileges I have benefited from, and the ways those privileges have led me to exhibit behaviours I now see are unhealthy or have impacted on others in negative ways. So I hope I can continue to develop that perspective and let it inform my future decisions more.
Who inspires you and why?
As a working artist my inspirations are myriad and change from project to project. On a personal level I am constantly inspired by my brother, Nick, a hugely talented artist himself and a man of such integrity and strength it astounds me. And our parents, who gave us the opportunities and permission to shape our lives around the pursuit of our passion to tell stories and reflect on what it is to be alive.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Introduce a sortition system of governance – I think that those in charge should not be those who want to be in charge.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
To be a series of complete cliches – London for the theatre, Berlin for the feeling of freedom, Thailand for the food and relaxation.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Day-time: Red Leaf Harbour Beach; the harbour, a beach and lazing around in a park with dogs running around all rolled into one. Night-time: Newtown for cocktails and beers on the balcony whilst people-watching. Or one of Sydney’s amazing indie theatres for a show.
What are you currently reading?
Just finished reading The Bricks That Built The Houses by Kate Tempest – incredible!
What are you currently listening to?
Aside from all of the amazing 70s stuff I’ve been listening to for the show, I’m a complete hip hop head.
Happiness is?
Fleeting. But a day off surrounded by dogs in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park with a good book when all the chores have been done comes pretty close.
What does the future hold for you?
In the immediate future, after the show is done, hopefully some sleep-ins. Then onto the next project – so many stories to tell!
Alex directs the Australian premiere of James Graham’s The Angry Brigade at Sydney’s New Theatre: 1 October – 2 November 2019. For more information, visit: www.newtheatre.org.au for details.
Image: Alex Bryant-Smith (supplied)