Who is Ben Brock?
Actor, writer, author, lover, astronaut – depends which way the winds blow. Oh… I am about to play Mike in House of Games at the New Theatre and don’t tell anyone… but I’m Batman!
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I had a dream that I auditioned for the reality RV show about the people going on a one way trip to colonise Mars and I got it. So I’d probably be working out how to smuggle whisky and bacon on board a spaceship.
Who inspires you and why?
So many people from all walks of life for so many different reasons. There is always something beautiful in a person if you listen and ask the right questions. Love people with passion.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think about this a lot, and wrote this in my novel recently. I dunno – all I know is we run around building sand castles trying to leave our footprints in the sand and we continue to feel disappointed when tides turn and wash it all away. I mean maybe that’s the point and that’s all there is to understand… that nothing’s really permanent in life and that all we can really hope for is to live our lives the best we can, to share a drink, to laugh a bit, listen to some tunes maybe have a bit of a cuddle and slowly slip away without causing too much damage surrender, if you will, to the madness of it all… then slowly disappear – there’s something comforting in that… to know one’s place in the natural order of things… What’s that thing the poets say?… about us all being made of stars or stardust or some other nonsense?… I dunno, I do know I’m nowhere near drunk enough and I want you to pour me another.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Paris because I’m a tragic romantic.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Bronte Beach because it’s beautiful and it’s my home and I’m lazy!
What are you currently reading?
One Hundred Years of Solitude. One of my favourites. And I also have to read it as an audiobook for the US soon.
What are you currently listening to?
Radiohead. Tom Waits.
Happiness is?
Appreciated at times, but beautiful melancholy has its place too.
What does the future hold for you?
Let’s just get through today! Thank you all x
Ben is currently appearing in New Theatre’s production of House of Games which runs 11 August – 10 September 2016. For more information, visit: www.newtheatre.org.au for details.
Image: Ben Brock