Who is Claudia Ware?
My name is Claudia Ware. I’m an actor living on Gadigal land and currently performing in Mr Bailey’s Minder at the Ensemble Theatre.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’ve always been passionate about how the arts can be re-appropriated in ‘non-artistic’ settings. I’d love to do more work in the Applied Theatre sector – bringing theatre practices into places like schools, aged-care facilities, correctional centres, and refugee camps.
Who inspires you and why?
There are so many artists and activists who inspire me. But on a more day-to-day scale, it’s my brother Joe and my friend Andrew who inspire me most. They are both deeply kind, empathetic people, who are driven to see the best in those around them and create lives underpinned by thoughtfulness and connection.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Be kinder.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Last year I spent a week on a small, private island in the Stockholm Archipelago with my friend Andrew. There was no running water and no electricity. Just a tiny, one hundred year old house and eighteen hours of sunlight. All day, we swam, talked, fished, cooked, ate, and napped. It was the happiest week of my life.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Two places come to mind – Mahon Pool (a beautiful rockpool situated in Maroubra, conveniently next to The Grumpy Baker which does amazing sausage rolls), and White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale (home to one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary Chinese Art).
What are you currently reading?
One of my best friends, Anna McGahan, just won the Vogel for her first novel Immaculate. I read the first draft over a year ago – I’m now reading it’s final form. It’s a spectacular, unique, deeply moving novel about faith, loss and healing.
What are you currently listening to?
My go-to podcast – The Ezra Klein show.
Happiness is?
The quality of our relationships.
What does the future hold for you?
At the end of September I’m relocating to London to experience life as an actor abroad, and be on auntie duty for my nieces and nephews, Zadie, Victor and Maxine.
Claudia stars as Therese in Mr Bailey’s Minder by Debra Oswald – currently playing at the Ensemble Theatre until 2 September 2023. For more information, visit: www.ensemble.com.au for details.
Image: Claudia Ware (supplied)