Who is Chaska Halliday?
I am a 26-year-old woman who loves to connect with others, whether it’s with castmates, audiences, family, friends, or my partner. I am also trying to figure out life as best I can and give things a red-hot go!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I honestly wouldn’t do anything differently than what I do now. I truly believe I am exactly where I am meant to be, and doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing. Performing for me is like breathing, and I’m grateful I get to do just that every day.
Who inspires you and why?
The people I work with inspire me every day, and that applies whether that was 10 years ago or the present day! The energy of these people, and the experiences I have shared with them, has allowed me to reflect and make better choices on stage and on my own personal journey.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I believe every chance I get to be on stage, I am making a difference in the world. As a proud black woman, I can stand onstage and be an inspiration for the next generation. I am allowing them to see themselves in me on stage and know that they have a place in the stories we are relaying to the world eight times a week. Representation matters, and I am proud to be representing onstage. I also love to make people laugh and smile more than anything.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My mother was amazing in my earlier years, allowing me to see and experience a lot of the world! I don’t have a favourite holiday destination right now as I can’t remember what it’s like to travel. My last holiday was July 2019!
When friends come to town, what attraction do you take them to and why?
I would have to say I am a big fan of the National Gallery of Victoria. My grandma and I love and adore art galleries, as does my gorgeous partner. I also love a cheeky lobster roll from Supernormal on Flinders Lane.
What are you currently reading?
It’s been a hectic couple of weeks reopening Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Regent Theatre, so I have only been able to flick through my favourite issue of Vogue Italia September 2008. I have also been trying to learn some more Brazilian Portuguese.
What are you currently listening to?
I have different genres on rotation depending on my mood, but lately my go-to artists include INXS, The Police, Neil Frances, and lots of Brazilian funk!
Happiness is?
Happiness to me is spending time near or in the water, enjoying a great dinner, and spending quality time with the people I love and adore.
What does the future hold for you?
I honestly don’t know. I love to go with the flow and push myself accordingly for each gig. Currently, I’m just focusing on the Melbourne return season of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. On a personal level, I’d love to be married with one bubba, but I am currently in no rush, as all good things come with time!
Chaska stars as La Chocolat in Moulin Rouge! The Musical – which is playing at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre until 31 December 2023. For more information, visit: www.moulinrougemusical.com for details.
Image: Chaska Halliday – photo by Shot by Thom