Who is Benji Riggs?
I’m a storyteller through and through – whether its songwriting, composing for stage, composing for string quartet, writing picture books, novels, whatever I can get my hands on really. Ever since I became a dad, I’ve wanted to create stories based on truth, light, hope. These kinds of stories impacted me as a kid and helped guide and ground me as I grew. My head wants to inspire the world but what I really want is to inspire my son.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’d love to be a pilot but my colour-blindness prohibits this. Sometimes I yearn for farm life. I have a small veggie patch and some chooks, and I often catch myself wondering what it would be like to live on an acreage somewhere deep in the countryside. I usually conclude that the reality of this would be just as stressful as the suburban life I lead now, just different kinds of stresses.
Who inspires you and why?
Grandpa. He was a real English gentleman and I’ll always remember what I learned from him. His sense of right and wrong, the way he could talk for hours with a total stranger, his whimsy and playfulness. He always had a story to tell. He took life seriously but not himself, and he was never afraid of pulling a funny face to make you laugh. We only saw him every few years, and usually for Christmas, so memories with him are treasures. In fact, my latest musical, Book Nooks, is very much inspired by these visits.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Tell stories and hope that there’s always an audience member, reader or listener who changes because of it. The best chance I have changing one person’s life for the better is my son. I’m his dad so it’s up to me to teach him how to be upright and just, strong but gentle, to do good especially when no one is looking.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Hungary feels like a second home. Partially because my wife is Hungarian and we lived there for a while after we got married, but there’s more to it than that. On our last visit, my in-laws were driving us from the airport and I remember looking at the trees, branches empty for the winter, and realising I felt connected to the heart of the country. Even though I can barely speak the language (I like to say I can start and finish a conversation but can’t do anything with the middle) I could happily exist there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The zoos (Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Zoo) and the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. I’m a fan of open spaces filled with nature. My wife and I went to London Zoo a while back and although bigger it had nothing on the zoos we have in Adelaide, let alone the rest of Australia. We certainly have some of the best zoos in the world. I would also take them to a show. Professional or community, doesn’t matter – just to give them a taste of the incredible arts culture we have on our doorstep.
What are you currently reading?
I’d love to answer something like The Lord of the Rings, which I am a huge fan of, but my most honest answer would be the Bible. Although there’s a lot in there that can be heavy and difficult to digest, especially in our modern age, I have been able to find so much good in it. It can also be wildly entertaining. I mean, some of those OT stories can really take you by surprise. But really, it so beautifully examines the complexities of the human condition in a way that has made me a better writer and has helped me better understand the world we live in.
What are you currently listening to?
At the moment I’m listening to The Pirates of Penzance and the best of Sondheim playlist, all on repeat. I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can learn by just listening to the works of these utter geniuses. I didn’t like Sondheim and G&S shows as a kid. I thought they were stilted; I just didn’t get them. I do now, I understand how the lyrics and music play with each other, and I love them.
Happiness is?
Letting go of my worries and playing with my family. It’s hard to do sometimes but whenever I’m able to let go I always find myself with much more peace and joy. The three of us running around, making nonsensical sounds to entertain our toddler, throwing a ball to each other – it’s all just wonderful.
What does the future hold for you?
A bigger family hopefully, though I know I should be careful what I wish for. More stories. I’m on my fourth musical now and have recently finished the third draft of a novel. Only during my last phase of work have I been able to see how far I’ve come, which makes me hopeful for whatever’s coming next. Also, being a better gardener.
Benji is the Artistic Director of The Flying Elephant Company – who will present Book Nooks: A Christmas Musical at the Burnside Ballroom, Adelaide, from 18 – 21 December 2024. For more information, visit: www.flyingelephantcompany.com for details.
Image: Benji Riggs – photo by Alex James Stock