Who is Angelica Lockyer?
Angelica Lockyer is an Indigenous and Queer artist from Port Hedland, currently a cast member in Malthouse’s The Return by John Harvey and directed by Jason Tamiru and Matt Lutton.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Straight out of high school I attempted a Bachelor degree in science with the goal to go into medicine. So I suppose if I never found myself at drama school (ironically to keep myself busy while I worked up my mental stamina to return to science) I likely would have gone down that pathway. I’m still young so really medicine isn’t entirely off the table. But honestly there’s nothing I’d rather be doing than acting.
Who inspires you and why?
I have a handful of people in my life that are immensely inspirational in different ways, from my incredible and hardworking actor friends and my amazing and resilient family. But I can’t answer this without giving a shout out to my mum, Sylvia Lockyer, who has lived her life for others for the last 50 years, whether that be as a nurse, public health professional, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and community member.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
On the “smaller” scale I like to make at least one persons day a bit easier. Whether that’s with a simple smile, or carry their groceries. On a slightly larger scale, using my art to spread awareness on world issues and someday give back to my community.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Someplace warm and coastal. Basically the description of my home town where I was practically raised in the ocean. An added bonus would be somewhere that isn’t negatively impacted by the tourism industry to selfishly keep my conscious clean.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Guess that depends on the town. If it’s Port Hedland I’d just take them to the beach down the road from my childhood home. If it’s Perth then I would also take them to the beach because the white sand and blue water is so beautiful, plus WA sunsets are the best in my biassed opinion. Now if they were visiting me in Melbourne I would take them anywhere with food because the food here is spectacular and the range is huge, so much to choose from.
What are you currently reading?
I struggle to read full length novels when I’m on a project because I get quite consumed in the story I’m telling that I don’t have much room for another. I do enjoy reading short stories and listening to anthology audiobooks.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been listening to the musical Hadestown on repeat for about a couple months now as well as other songs from musicals. I never listened much to musical theatre until I was in a musical earlier this year.
Happiness is?
A cat or dog choosing you in a room full of people. Warm sand at a beach during sunset. Making a baby laugh. Creating art that you’re passionate about.
What does the future hold for you?
Short term, the next project, gaining experience and meeting new people in this industry that I’m still very new to. Long term, I’d love to have worked overseas, particularly the West End, as well as I hope to direct a project someday.
Angelica can be seen in The Return – which will be presented at the Malthouse Theatre, as part of the 2022 RISING Festival from 13 May – 4 June. For more information, visit: www.malthousetheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Angelica Lockyer (supplied)