On the Couch with Artemis Ioannides

Artemis Ioannides AAR On the CouchWho is Artemis Ioannides?
Artemis Ioannides is a stage and screen actress. She was born in Melbourne and grew up in Athens, Greece. At age 19 she moved to Melbourne to study acting and has since worked on a variety of productions, most recognisably as inmate Vicky Kosta on multi award-winning prison drama, Wentworth.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d love to do more work internationally. I go back home to Athens regularly to see my family, but I want to be more professionally active in Europe. It’s something I’m working on.

Who inspires you and why?
My family is my greatest inspiration. My father is a composer and producer and he is the most dedicated and hardworking person I’ve ever met. He’s been a great mentor for me as an artist. My mother is a fiercely intelligent and dynamic powerhouse. She has been an amazing role model for me as a woman. Together they’ve taken great risks in life and that requires unwavering self belief and determination from both of them. I’ve lived very far away from my family from a young age but my connection to them has been my compass. They inspire me to jump into life with no fear. Which is particularly important in my line of work.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think the most immediate way I can make a difference in the world is through leading by example. If I wake up in the morning and try to be my best self, look people in the eye, make someone laugh, be brave in the face of daily obstacles, hopefully the people around me will respond accordingly. Things have a ripple effect. I’m not always great at it, I slip up, make mistakes. But the point is to keep waking up ready to try again.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
My family has always spent summer holidays on the island of Kythera in Greece. It’s one of my favourite places. I spent all my childhood and adolescent summers hanging out on a white-pebbled beach, splashing around turquoise waters, overlooked by the 13th century Venetian castle. I haven’t managed to go to Kythera for few years because of work, so when I’m stuck in freezing Melbourne winter that’s the place I dream about.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I think the greatest thing about Melbourne is the amazing variety of cuisines available from all over the world. As a huge lover of food my immediate go-to activity is going out for dinner. Next on the agenda would be music. Melbourne has a vibrant music scene and so many live venues. You will most likely find me on the dancefloor, dancing like my life depends on it.

What are you currently reading?
Lately I have mainly been reading scripts and plays. I’ve been lucky enough to be working on some real page turner projects this year! Other than that I’m pretty big on philosophy and self-improvement books.

What are you currently listening to?
Baduizm by Erykah Badu over a cup of black coffee.

Happiness is?
Peace. Absence of fear in situations that do not require it. Observing natural beauty. Being your own best friend.

What does the future hold for you?
I’m very excited to be starting performances for Pomona by Alistair McDowall at Red Stitch Actors Theatre, directed by Gary Abrahams. The play is a modern day thriller set in Manchester. It is dark and gripping and takes you on a real ride. I’ve had the best time working on this show. The team is so talented and skilled. I cannot wait for us to get in front of an audience! After Pomona, I have a few things lined up which I can’t yet talk about! But you can catch me on screen on Seven Network’s upcoming thriller series, Secret Bridesmaid’s Business. Keep your eye out for it, it’s got an all star cast and is going to be brilliant!

Artemis stars in the Australian premiere season of Pomona by Alistair McDowall – which plays at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre from 13 July – 14 August 2019. For more information, visit: www.redstitch.net for details.

Image: Artemis Ioannides (supplied)