Who is Brett Rosengreen?
A Gold Coast-born and bred Libran, a professional performer of 27 years throughout the globe, lover, dreamer and creative soul with a penchant for anything shiny and sparkly. Gentleman of burlesque and one-eighth of the award-winning Briefs Factory International.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I hadn’t started in the world of performing, I absolutely would have invested my time in mastering costume, set and prop designs for film and theatre. The craftsmanship and magic people like that create is just as important to what the performers bring to the stage and I’ve always been fascinated by what the creatives from behind the curtain bring.
Who inspires you and why?
I’ve always really been super inspired by the supermodels, designers and runway shows from the 90’s/early 2000’s. Strong, beautiful females like Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell have always captivated me with not only their effortless beauty but their nonchalant ability to mesmerise you with just a walk.
The shows back then were theatrical productions, the drama people like Thierry Mugler, Galliano, McQueen etc bought to these shows had me glued to the screen. The costumes were so intricate and fantastical in every way. I still watch them back till this day for sources of inspiration.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d like to think that what we do as entertainers, does bring a difference to the world. Bringing joy, laughter, inspiration or any positive emotion to anyone coming along to a show and having them walk out uplifted in whichever way that may be, is a small but mighty change in the world!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Hands down my favourite destination would be Japan. The food, the culture the people, the fashion and the country itself, has always spoken to me from the beautiful clean streets of Tokyo where old temples sit amongst a bustling neon city, the snow-capped mountains where you can bathe in gorgeous hot springs, the cherry blossom festival, the bamboo forests, the geishas walking the streets of Kyoto, walking the Inari Shrine (definitely one of my favourite things in Japan).
On top of this rich history you have modern Japan where the Harajuku kids chill in the parks and bridges of Harajuku, looking like anime characters have come to life and all the crazy bars and restaurants like the robot restaurant… there’s too much to mention. It’s a treat in every sense.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My go-to’s with friends coming to visit me on the Gold Coast (GC) would definitely be Burleigh Hill – doing the walk from Burleigh Hill around to Tallebudgera Creek, jumping off the bridge into the crystal blue waters then walking back up the hill to a local hidden gem called Cock Rock where you can sit on the end of a massive jutting out graffitied rock from where you can see the whole coast from one end to the other, finishing with a pizza on Burleigh Hill watching the sun set as the lights come up on the beautiful skyline. I also love taking people to the mountains. which is often overlooked on the GC. We have so many beautiful trails, waterfalls and glow worm caves. People are often surprised by this part of the GC.
What are you currently reading?
Haha this is where I get to show my true colours. I’m a bit of a nerd at heart and a sucker for anything fantasy or sci fi, anything that takes me to another realm where I can escape reality for a bit. I’m currently reading The Sword of Truth series and an offset of that called the Nicci Chronicles – I won’t bore most of you with the details but its fantasy at its best.
What are you currently listening to?
My playlist at the moment is a kaleidoscope of all sorts of flavours and genres. What’s often on repeat is anything that I’m working on for new acts. My top 5 tracks at the moment would be: Maneskin, I Wanna Be Your Slave; Charlotte Cardin, Meaningless; Leon Else, Black Car; Dom Dollar, Girls; Brian Ferry, Kiss and Tell; and Ya Nina, Sugar.
Happiness is?
Happiness to me is getting to do what I love and my passion on a daily basis. I feel very fortunate for that. What also fills my cup is when I get to come home after a tour or season to my wonderful hometown and see my beautiful partner Ryan, my incredible family and the best friends I could ever ask for whom I all love dearly. Being around those you love and that love and support you back is true happiness!
What does the future hold for you?
Let’s just say I’m scaffolding several options at the moment but creative direction is what I’m manifesting for myself and I’m optimistic that the universe will steer me in the right direction and provide. Whatever my future holds, it will 100% have to be in the creative side of the arts as that’s all I’ve ever been drawn to and that’s where I believe my success will lie.
Brett can be seen in the award-winning cult cabaret mischief makers, circus stars and heart-stopping hooligans, Briefs Factory, as they present Bite Club: 2nd Serve in the Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne from 25 – 29 September 2024. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Brett Rosengreen (supplied)