Who is Brianna Bishop?
I am a person from Melbourne, who is highly sensitive. I would say and a very good observer, I enjoy ruminating on those observations and finding the core meaning and value of all things. I am a professional day dreamer and feeler, I am incredibly intuitive when it comes to people’s feelings and am very passionate about what truly matters at the end of each day. I love to write and be creative and express what I’m feeling inside that way.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would probably be painter somewhere in the country.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone that has a heart for humans, and those that have been through it all and made it out the other side! I find inspiration in peoples stories, in the hardship that has been faced and survived. My Mumma is an inspiration, she has had a really tough life and from it only wants to help others. She is inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Empathy is a learnable skill and several Nordic countries make it a part of their school curriculum. I would encourage our leaders to introduce these classes into our schools. I believe that systemically a lot of our problems stem from a lack empathy and sensitivity in our governing institutions which trickles down into every other workplace environment, into the home. I hope maybe this could create real change for so many things. A heart for humans. A heart to help. A heart to love.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Well, my family is from Norway and I am about to travel there after MIDNIGHT closes. I’ve never been but I have a feeling it will be my favourite.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them into nature, either somewhere along the river near where I grew up or to the Arboretum in the Dandenong Ranges. I lived right near there for some time and the convenience of how close it is to town is amazing and it’s just such a magical spot. This may be a spoiler but my character ‘Ella’ in MIDNIGHT also does this, which is just one of the reasons I fell in love with her so much.
What are you currently reading?
I’m re-reading Mary Oliver’s Devotions for comfort and The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – however, lots of reading is on pause as my MIDNIGHT script is currently taking precedence. We open at the Comedy Theatre next week! I have never been so invested in a book in my life!
What are you currently listening to?
Currently I am in rehearsals for MIDNIGHT – so the beautiful music written by Anthony Costanzo, John Foreman and Kate Miller-Heidke are playing on repeat!
Happiness is?
Being true to yourself and/or true to what you know is right. If in each moment you can find what is authentic, that is happiness.
What does the future hold for you?
Gosh well I hope incredible things! MIDNIGHT is to open on 25 June, with previews from the 22nd – with this show on the horizon, for me, this a massive mile stone to look at how far I’ve come. I hold this show with such reverence, passion and love and am proud to know this will be a part of my memories! I can’t wait to know what the future has in store once this is over, but I guess that’s all mystery!
Brianna stars as Ella in MIDNIGHT – The Cinderella Musical – which plays the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne from 22 June 2023 (opening night: 25 June). For more information, visit: www.midnightmusical.com.au for details.
Image: Brianna Bishop – photo by Clint Peloso