Who is Ed Wightman?
I’ve been asking myself that same question for many years now! Let’s go with one of the performers in Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s production of Detroit at the Eternity Playhouse. He also enjoys teaching, directing, writing and talking about himself in the third person.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Become proficient at playing a musical instrument and speaking one other language (at least).
Who inspires you and why?
The unconditional love of parents for their children always inspires me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’ve long been a member of Amnesty International, so in my imagination it would be working as an human rights advocate.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I always like exploring new destinations, but two spots to which I keep returning are Byron Bay and the South Coast. I love the natural beauty and sense of peace in those places.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
One of my favourite places in Sydney is the Icebergs pool at Bondi. It is a picture postcard perfect location and a great example of the city’s ability to be simultaneously casual and glamorous. Plus they can have a swim in the ocean without worrying about sharks!
What are you currently reading?
I usually have a few books on the go at any given time. The one really blowing my mind is Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. It is a massive tome – 1000+ pages – and will probably take me all year to read, but I am determined to finish it. Wallace is hands down one of the best prose writers I’ve encountered. He writes single sentences that are better than entire books I’ve read!
What are you currently listening to?
I love jazz. Wynton Marsalis is always on pretty high rotation.
Happiness is?
Fleeting? Elusive? Reading David Foster Wallace? Listening to Wynton Marsalis?
What does the future hold for you?
I really have no idea. I suppose I should be more concerned about that!
Ed Wightman originally trained as an actor at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where he was awarded the prestigious David Suchet scholarship. He also holds an Arts/Law degree from the Australian National University, and is a recipient of the ANU Blackburn Medal for Drama.
An established and experienced actor, Ed has performed with most of Australia’s leading theatre companies – including the Sydney Theatre Company, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Queensland Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, and Company B – as well as appearing in both leading and supporting roles in film and television.
He also has extensive experience working in musical theatre, most notably appearing in the Australian premiere productions of Disney Theatrical’s The Lion King, and The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie for the Sydney Festival.
Ed is currently appearing in Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s production of Detroit at the Eternity Playhouse from 21 July 2015. For more information, visit: www.darlinghursttheatre.com for details.
Image: Ed Wightman