Who is Caroline Levien?
Changes by the hour!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I wasn’t an actor or writer, I would probably be in politics, law or journalism. I’d love to be at the forefront of the climate movement and have a soapbox for my endless opinions – give my friends a break from having to hear them!
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by my mother and the women in my life. They are a masterclass in resilience, intelligence, wit, compassion and humour.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d work for climate justice, human and women’s rights. The three of them seem completely inextricable to me.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
What’s a holiday? I love Central America, Nepal, Morocco and South East Asia as unique, challenging adventures. Closer to home I would go Ikara-Flinders Ranges Adnyamathanha Country for the most incredible landscape and hikes I have ever done. But if I wanted to chill and avoid the jetlag, I would pick the Sunshine Coast. That whole stretch is just good for the soul.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Depends on the friend! For the arty, intellectual buddy I would go Art Gallery of NSW, MCA, cheap indie show followed by too many drinks. For the more outdoorsy, I might go a coastal walk, swim also followed by too many drinks. Basically I’d just get them drunk lol.
What are you currently reading?
A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara (again!)
What are you currently listening to?
Preparing for Glengarry Glen Ross with an 80’s Spotify list (the mixed tape of the new age). It is currently cycling from Love My Way – the Psychedelic Furs to A View to Kill Duran Duran. Can’t go wrong.
Happiness is?
Probably a lot easier to find than I make it out to be!
What does the future hold for you?
I like to think it holds an interesting journey as an actor and a writer. I’m not sure I subscribe to the idea of a ‘happy’ life or a ‘good’ life, I believe life is a pretty complex system of interconnecting stories. If I can come out of those stories having leant about myself and the world, and having been kind and compassionate to those around me, then that’s a future I can look forward to. To be able to pay my rent with my craft would be lit.
Caroline can be seen in David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross at the New Theatre from 16 March – 10 April 2021. For more information, visit: www.newtheatre.org.au for details.
Image: Caroline Levien (supplied)