Who is Brooke Lee?
Brooke Lee (they/them). Actor, visual artist and puppeteer, who’s starting to branch out to stand-up and directing. I have a varied attention span and want to do everything, so I wear a lot of different hats. I like hats. I’ve got a hat head but I don’t have time for all my hats. My main hat is as a theatre actor, over the last few years since graduating VCA I’ve worked with Malthouse, Belvoir, Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Red Stitch, Darlinghurst Theatre and the National Theatre of Parramatta. I’m currently playing Janey in Malthouse’s new immersive production, Hour of the Wolf.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Nothing to be honest. If I want to do something I’ll find a way to do it. #noregrets
Who inspires you and why?
Writers. Because writing is something I find doesn’t come naturally to me. It’s such a mystical process. I’m inspired by their persistence. Wrestling with ideas, building a world and finding amazing little pockets inside of it. Sometimes the way they describe it sounds like having a wild animal as a pet, it seems some days your writing will sit in your lap and purr. Other days it will bite at your ankles and run away from you.
More than the regular person they seem to know how their mind works, how they focus best and what tricks or habits to harness it. I also find writers excellent people to be around. They’re silly and thoughtful and invigorated by ideas. I get to enjoy my writer mates as people and simultaneously enjoy their work, there’s something so special about that. A few are Aran Thangaratnam, Callum Mackay, Anchuli Felicia King, James Fraser, Declan Furber Gillick…
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Ban all bathroom sensors. I’m tired of my butt being flushed on and soap build up on the bench. And kill every mosquito. They can’t be that essential in the ecosystem. Just the important things ya know?
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Wilson’s Promontory. I was going to pick a cute European city, but there’s nothing more grounding than being at the Prom. It connects me to country and holds so many memories across the years. It’s a magical energy being amongst the orange mountains, salty south ocean and rough scrub.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d walk them through the bat colony along the Merri Creek and rent a row boat not far from there at Fairfield Boat House.
What are you currently reading?
All About Love by Bell Hooks. I’m a self development nut and I’m so curious about what love means to us.
What are you currently listening to?
Ethel Cain albums and hip hop//rock guitar mashups like Girl Talk’s All Day and Jurassic 5’s Way We Do It.
Happiness is?
Hugging a gumtree.
What does the future hold for you?
Fun times. I have a fun list. When I’m feeling bored or I have a free day I’ll pick something to do on my fun list and grab mates to do it with.
Brooke can be seen as Janey in Hour of the Wolf – currently playing at the Malthouse Theatre until 3 December 2023. For more information, visit: www.malthousetheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Brooke Lee (supplied)