Who is Charli Burrowes?
I’m a Meanjin-based artist, filmmaker, and writer. A compulsive creative of sorts. As @MeOhMy I started documenting my creative experiments and 10 years later I share my art with a vibrant and supportive community of artists, film nerds, of people who just want to feel something real.
Despite being lucky enough to work with Universal Music, HBO, Disney, and Warner Brothers, I’ve always been set on an independent path as a creative. It’s definitely the harder path, it’s a unique path, but it’s also enabled me to have several gallery shows, self-funded short films, and now, my first stage show. Bloom Girl.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I truly don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t a creative on my own terms. There is always a way to keep creating.
Who inspires you and why?
The auteurs who give it their all no matter how distinct or unchartered their composition, dialogue or performance is. Artists who dare to be authentic will always embolden me in my own work. The Sophia Coppola’s, the Kate Bush’s, and the Phoebe Waller-Bridges’ will always be a source of inspiration. But so are the local fire breathers, the gilded signwriters, and wobbly stand-ups who are living their craft for the joy of it.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I value authenticity above most things. I hope my art, in some small way, dares people to be real.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
It’s Paris.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d start with a drink at the Gresham, followed by dinner at Agnes, and ending with a burlesque show.
What are you currently reading?
The Bloom Girl script. Again, and again, and again.
What are you currently listening to?
Beyonce’s Homecoming: The Live Album – perfect companion for a hard treadmill sesh.
Happiness is?
Two McDonalds cheeseburgers, a glass of red, and Little Miss Sunshine.
What does the future hold for you?
If I can keep telling my stories on a larger scale, either on stages, TV or film, then that’s a future I look forward to most. I guess it’s up to the audience as to whether they’ll give me to space to keep growing and sharing those stories.
Charli makes her national theatre debut with Bloom Girl – currently playing at the Thomas Dixon Centre until 11 February 2023. For more information, visit: www.bloomgirl.com.au for details.
Image: Charli Burrowes (supplied)