Who is Anthony Nocera?
I’m Anthony Nocera and I’m a writer from Adelaide.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I did a law degree at uni. And part of me thinks my life would be a lot simpler if I just decided to be a lawyer and didn’t step into the arts. But also I don’t think I would’ve been very good at it. So, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’m lucky to work in the arts and also be an artist.
Who inspires you and why?
My mum and dad. Because they have instilled enough delusion within me to make me want to be an artist. And because they are the funniest people alive.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I don’t have very many practical skills. I wish I did because I could build something or do the necessary math to improve economic systems. Making people smile or laugh is something that I can do. And I think it’s a very important and necessary part of our lives.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I went to New York a few years ago and was surprised at how much I loved it. I’m not really one for a big city. But I loved New York. So I’d like to go back there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
We’re going to Gouger Street and ordering a mountain of Chinese food at T-Chow or Ying Chow or Star House. Also probably the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), because I think it’s the best gallery in the country in the sense that it’s very good and incredibly unfussy.
What are you currently reading?
I’m writing a lot at the moment, which makes it hard for me to do lots of reading. But things that have grabbed me are The Guest by Emma Cline, The Ruiners by Ellena Savage, Plastic Budgie by Olivia De Zilva and Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte.
What are you currently listening to?
A lot of horror movie soundtracks while diving into the final drafts of Log Boy. The new Madonna album. The new Charli XCX album. A lot of New Order. All of which are important to Log Boy, too.
Happiness is?
I’ve been working in the arts now for ten years. I realised that the other day. It has made me feel very old. But if you’d asked me the question ten years ago, the question would’ve had a lot to do with work or working. And there’s a part of me that still feels that way. I love to work. I love to be busy. I love to work as an artist and alongside them in realising their vision.
A few months ago, I was working the opening night for a show at ADT (Faraway by Jenni Large, which was so sick). I hadn’t had a day off in weeks. And I was laying out reserved signs on some of the seats ready for the performance. I was alone in the theatre and I took a moment and realised that I was, in a small, pretty unglamorous way, where I’d always dreamed of being.
The only problem is, in the moment I just mentioned, I was alone. So, I think of ‘happiness’ as balance. As the ability to write something I want to write. To sit quietly on the couch with my boyfriend. To take a day off and spend it with the people I love. To see my niece and nephew grow up. To watch both of my nonnas grow old. To chill with my cats. To be able to switch off, which is really important.
I didn’t think this article would get so philosophical, but here we are. Maybe this ‘On the Couch’ is an intervention.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to write and be an artist. Part of me would like to do it full-time and just see how it shakes out. But I don’t think that’s a very sustainable thing to do or to want. I think lots more writing.
Slowly developing works with good people and bringing them to the stage when the work is ready and the time is right. I’m learning more and more that rushing is not conducive to creative processes, which doesn’t mean things can’t move quickly. They often do. But processes find their own time.
There’s lots of exciting projects coming up. But Log Boy hitting the stage is the biggest thing on the horizon. I’m pumped about it.
Anthony is the Playwright of Log Boy – which will be presented by Smiling Bear, as part of State Theatre Company South Australia’s SPARK program, at the Adelaide College of the Arts Main Theatre, from 1 – 10 October 2026. For more information, visit: www.statetheatrecompany.com.au for details.
Image: Anthony Nocera – photo by Thomas McCammon