Who is Dale March?
I am an actor, acting teacher and father of two girls, aged five and three. When I’m not performing, I spend a lot of time building with local slate and stone.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
If I could live only three more lifetimes, I would dedicate one to visual art, one to the art of writing and one to architectural creativity. And more music would be part of all of them!
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who really engages conscientiously to expand their capacity for good action in the world inspires me. Humble or grand. I am suspicious that we human creatures have a tendency towards laziness and comfort so I am always grateful when reminded of our potential to stir growth.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I am committed to a life of art because I believe it holds the potential for powerful positive change. Fundamentally, the theatre space is an arena of imagination. To sincerely engage with the imaginative realm as a performer or spectator is to stretch our capacity to live in uncertainty. Having the ability to hang out in the discomfort of important questions can be a circuit breaker to the danger of reactionary decision making. I think this is good.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I live south of Adelaide at Maslin Beach, so I usually take people for the southern coastal tour and to Russell’s Pizza in Willunga. My first job was making pizzas there when I was 14 and it’s been a special creative haven for me ever since.
What are you currently reading?
Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens and Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning.
What are you currently listening to?
With my head inside Animal Farm, my YouTube browser history is littered with all manner of Soviet collapse lectures, Socialist vs Capitalist debates, great speeches of political history, you name it. And then I need a little Pema Chodron or Alan Watts – so I can actually stay sane.
Happiness is?
Growing in love with my darling partner, Merel.
What does the future hold for you?
Straight after Animal Farm I begin rehearsing A View From the Bridge, directed by Kate Champion for State Theatre Company South Australia in July.
Dale stars in State Theatre Company South Australia’s production of Animal Farm – which will be presented at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres: 1 – 3 May 2019. For more information, visit: www.riversideparramatta.com.au for details.
Image: Dale March – photo by Sia Duff