Who is Daniel Schlusser?
I am an artist, lots of slashes in the theatre world: director/performer/dramaturg and sometimes writer. I am a father of two boys and partner of photographer Daisy Noyes. I’ve always defined myself by exclusively my art but have recently found a healthier balance.
What would you differently from what you do now?
I’m undergoing some sort of transformation into something hard to define, it’s shamanistic, or maybe an Oracle of the Present. It’s an involuntary extension of my artistic practice.
Who inspires you and why?
Derek Jarman has been a gentle presence (absence?) for most of my artistic life. His self-knowledge and sensitivities as a person, a spirituality inseparable from his art, ironic, wise and very beautiful.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Right now, there is a crisis in children’s mental health support in Australia – not enough practitioners to fulfil the demand. If I could magically requalify to help, that is what I would do.
Favourite holiday destination?
Camping with my family at Blanket Bay.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Take them camping at Blanket Bay! The Otways on Gadubanud country are an absolute wonder, like a natural place of worship, so grand, just awe-inspiring. And they might get to see some koalas before they go extinct.
What are you currently reading?
I just started Jennifer Down’s Bodies of Light. She’s amazing. A really sophisticated story-teller.
What are you currently listening to?
I found a New Order t-shirt in Target on the weekend, so I’ve been listening to Blue Monday on heavy repeat. For new music, I rely exclusively on Samira Farah’s show The Score on RRR.
Happiness is?
Making my children laugh.
What does the future hold for you?
Death. As it does for everyone. But I see myself doing a lot of travelling before that.
Daniel directs Hercules, haunted by Euripides, presented by Arts House and Daniel Schlusser Ensemble at Arts House – North melbourne Town Hall from 24 – 28 May 2022. For more information, visit: www.artshouse.com.au for details.
Image: Daniel Schlusser – photo by Daisy Noyes