Who is Alice Darling?
A country girl from a cattle farm in South Australia, who moved to bustling Melbourne thinking she was going to be an actor, but after craving a bit more control, now loves working as a theatre director. Also a newish Mum. Also a lover of coffee and watching cooking shows.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Fully enjoy the moment I’m in. Spend less time and energy worrying about what I did not do, or what I’ve not done yet. And travel all the time.
Who inspires you and why?
People who use their voice courageously.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Practice kindness and empathy, especially when it doesn’t suit me. Speak up when I see injustice and inequality, especially when it’s uncomfortable. And continue to promote the arts as powerful, transformative and central to any healthy, balanced community.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I have amazing memories from a tiny, obscure Greek island called Astypalea, it’s pretty rugged, I think goats outnumber people, but the priorities and pace of life are so refreshingly different.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
We would see a theatre show for sure, there’s always something interesting on in Melbourne. And then definitely out somewhere to eat, a great bowl of late night ramen or pasta in the city, something surprising down an alleyway or up an obscure flight of stairs…
What are you currently reading?
FIERCE – a cracking new Australian play by Jane e Thompson about a prodigious female footballer, and anything and everything about AFL and AFLW hitting headlines at the moment. Because, I’m directing this show, and we open in a fortnight, it’s pretty much consuming my whole world.
What are you currently listening to?
An unusual mix of Johnny Cash, Justin Bieber, dark techno and original sound by the ultra talented Russell Goldsmith – again, all emanating from the wild world of FIERCE.
Happiness is?
Family. Seeing my son take his first steps the other day and being so super proud of himself.
What does the future hold for you?
I will open this show, take a little breath, and then keep trying to work out the best way to both be a parent and do this gift of a job working in the theatre. At moments it’s very compatible, at moments it’s highly incompatible. And maybe a sleep in, if my son let’s me…
Alice will be directing the World premiere of Jane e Thompson’s FIERCE at Theatre Works from 28 March 2018. For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au for details.
Image: Alice Darling (supplied)