Who is Daley King?
Daley King is (in no particular order) an eclectic, neurodiverse, genderqueer, Maori performance artist, writer, stage manager, and social justice advocate, who has two cockatiels (Wally and Bruce), likes a cold brew way too much, has recently become vegan (and isn’t regretting it just yet) and really enjoyed the television series Lost – actually crying at the end of the final episode (and still tears up every time they watch it). I watched it every week on Channel Seven at a time when the internet and social media where still fighting for relevance, so many cliffhangers and theories!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
A year ago, I had way too many answers to that question, but then I decided to just start making changes, and now I’m actually kind of content and happy; constantly in flux. If I was to truly do anything differently, it’d be to just get more sleep, and what a difference it makes!
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by anyone who foregoes their ego for the betterment of the world. We’re (literally) all in this together. That sounds a bit wanky, but the egos of a few are holding back the wellbeing of the many, and of our Earth.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Whatever and however I can without hurting myself in the process. Self-care is important in these trying times.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
It’s not really a holiday to go back home to Aotearoa, but there are so many wonderful places I haven’t explored. Plus, in my hometown, you can ski on a volcano in the morning and then surf on world-class waves in the afternoon, and if that’s not an amazing day, then I don’t know what is!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
One (or all) of our many fine beaches; the ocean is always the ultimate attraction here, never fails to amaze.
What are you currently reading?
Ducks, Newburyport by Lucy Ellmann. A one thousand and thirty page stream of consciousness from an Ohio mother, punctuated only by a few lonely commas. A groundbreaking wonder that blows American zeitgeist and barbarity apart, and then knits it back together with both scorching indictment and kindness. Get on it.
What are you currently listening to?
Uhm – Lizzo, of course. Over and over and over. If I’m shinin’, errybody gonna shine. Also Run The Jewels and Kate Tempest. Also get on it.
Happiness is?
Citrus-infused cold brew on a hot summer day, for me to sip whilst basking in my climate anxiety.
What does the future hold for you?
We’re going to have to fight for our future, so I’ll do that first, and then get back to you in ten years or so!
Daley presents the world premiere of Lipstuck at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) as part of the 2020 FRINGE WORLD program from 28 January. For more information, visit: www.pica.org.au for details.
Image: Daley King – photo by Nicolee Fox