Who is Brian Lipson?
An actor who writes, directs and designs.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would not get in a panic about little things.
Who inspires you and why?
William Shakespeare, because he was so daring in his work. The words he wrote just won’t cool down. I’ve acted in two of his plays this year – Midsummer Night’s Dream in Brisbane and The Tempest in Sydney – when those words come out of your mouth you feel their magic being re-enforced as you speak them. I feel almost as if it has been the ritual of repeating those words over the centuries that has kept us humans from spiralling into self destruction. I know that’s a big claim. It’s the sort of claim that religious people make for their rituals, and I’m not religious at all. But Shakespeare is quite different from any religion because he’s funny, exciting, unpredictable and compulsively offensive.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would not look away from homeless people. And I would talk to them.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
London. Because I grew up there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
The toilets on the 35th floor of Hotel Sofitel – an incredible view.
What are you currently reading?
Michael Billington’s biography of Harold Pinter.
What are you currently listening to?
A clock ticking.
Happiness is?
Worth dreaming of.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ve got to get my one-man show in to shape by opening night, I can’t see beyond that.
Brian Lipson is an Actor, Director, Designer, Writer and Teacher. He has been working in theatre for more than 40 years. Brian grew up in London but has been living in Melbourne for the last seventeen years. He has acted with nearly all the major theatre companies in Australia – from state theatres to the most adventurous independent companies.
He has directed and devised many shows. His solo work A Large Attendance in the Antechamber received wide acclaim at the Edinburgh, Sydney and Adelaide festivals and toured the United States. Brian is often seen acting on TV and film and taught acting at the VCA. He has been nominated for 7 Green Room Awards and won 3 of them. Brian recently completed an Australia Council Fellowship.
Brian’s latest work, Edmund. The Beginning will be presented at Arts House: 10 – 22 November 2015. For more information, visit: www.artshouse.com.au for details.
Image: Brian Lipson