Who is Andrea James?
A Yorta Yorta/Kurnai woman with mad Polish roots and very big hair. Fiercely loyal and always politically motivated, I invade contemporary art spaces to uphold rich and ever-evolving cultural traditions. An Indigenous Producer and Community Arts worker for years, I am alarmingly embarking upon a freelance theatre making and producing career at the height of arts funding instability.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Trust my instincts. They’re usually right. I would also like to embrace big hair. It’s good.
Who inspires you and why?
My Elders. They have carried culture and lore, despite great challenges and have paved the way for generations to follow. They know about injustice and they have drawn cultural maps in the sand for us to find when needed.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Tell stories and keep culture strong.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere on a river on Yorta Yorta country, far, far away… (minus the speed boats and jet skis).
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
Whenever I’m in Melbourne I’ll often find myself on the banks of the mighty Birrarung Marr or Merri Creek. Walking the trails and talking avidly to my friends and loved ones about this and that…
What are you currently reading?
The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey – a 1970’s phenomenon and a philosophy for living.
What are you currently listening to?
Dawn by Emma Donovan and the Putbacks, and anything by our home grown bad apple rapper – Briggs.
Happiness is?
A weekend sleep-in with the bloke on one side and the dog on the other.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m going to write an epic one-woman play about Evonne Goolagong Cawley – a legend and an inspiration.
Andrea’s latest work, Bright World will play at Theatre Works: 15 – 30 April 2016. For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au or www.arthurproductions.com.au for details.
Image: Andrea James