Who is Augusta Supple?
A slashie of the highest order. Theatre director; creative producer; man-loving feminist; passionate arts activist & cheerleader; writer; arm chair philosopher; new work advocate; critic; muffin baker; scrabble player; insatiable flirt; former child genius; P-plater; tea-drinker; reformed musician; burrito eater; mentor; leather-jacket wearing Aunt; rabble-rouser; dinner companion; the Assistant Director of an Arts Centre; stickler for etiquette; letter writer; key note speaker; daughter; aspiring love interest; impatient workaholic; foyer dweller; goof; giggler; and social media addict.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would conquer my laundry more often than I do. Which includes removing it FROM the clothes line, folding and putting away (as opposed to using the clothes line as a public wardrobe for my clothes).
Who inspires you and why?
Other people. Their bravery and fear – their moods and tempers – their love their hates – their failures and successes – their needs and wants. People are incredible creatures. Really marvelous. People write, sing, give, love, build skyscrapers, breed canaries, argue, wrestle, make dumplings… people are really very wonderful.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Reject the glorification of being “busy.”
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My imagination. It’s immediate and extensive – unlimited by time, money or space.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I take them to the Sydney Opera House – depending what their interest is – I might take them for dinner, a walk around the gardens, a show, a drink or just to touch those gorgeous tiles.
What are you currently reading?
New plays written by Australian playwrights… and sometimes my email… and sometimes the newspapers… but mostly new plays.
What are you currently listening to?
Generally: my heart and advice from my elders and betters. Specifically: cassette tapes in my car – including Mathew Sweet, Rage Against The Machine, Glenn Campbell, Sarah Blasko, Paul Simon, Elvis Presley, Dead Kennedys, Deborah Conway, Tool, Horrorshow, Metric,
Happiness is?
Trust. Sleep. Forgiveness. A warm muffin and a perfect coffee made by a handsome barista.
What does the future hold for you?
Endless unfolding possibility. Everything… More laundry? Epic love. Small victories. Big learning. Moments of reckoning. Some delicious dinners, big conversations and huge challenges.
Augusta Supple is a theatre director, playwright and creative producer, who is a passionate advocate for new work, new Australian plays and playwrights.
Augusta works exclusively on the development, production and promotion of new Australian plays, specialising in developing, producing, curating and directing multi-playwright projects and festivals. Recent projects include Brand Spanking New (New Theatre, 2008-2010), Stories From the 428 (Sidetrack Theatre, 2010), I Contain Multitudes (NovemberISM, 2011), A View From Moving Windows (Riverside Theatres, 2012).
Augusta has directed new work by Australia’s leading playwrights, and she is currently developing full length works with Melita Rowston, Cheryl Ward and Grace De Morgan. Currently she is the Assistant Director of Casula Powerhouse Art Centre.
Never one to shy away from a big or difficult ideas, Augusta believes in robust conversation is the foundation of inspiration and innovation. Augusta writes feature articles, commentary and reviews for Spark Online , Australian Stage and her own self-titled blog www.augustasupple.com
Augusta is the Creative Producer and Director of Singled Out currently on at the Seymour Centre. For more information, visit: www.seymourcentre.com for details.
Image: Augusta Supple
