Who is Evan Placey?
A Canadian dude who is now also a British dude living in London with his partner and adopted son. And who loves stories in all forms.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I always wanted to be a Lawyer. A part of me still thinks maybe one day I’ll go to Law School. Morality, ethics, rules, and how they all intermingle has always fascinated me. Or maybe doing something in a warm climate.
Who inspires you and why?
My grandparents were big inspirations. They were Holocaust survivors, and found so much joy in life and so much to thankful for every day. I’ve done various bits of work with the criminal justice system over the years working with prisoners and ex-prisoners. The people I engaged with – their ability to be honest, their capacity for optimism, and their resilience, continues to inspire me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Find permanent, loving families for every child without one.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The South of France. The cheese, the wine, and a place I can totally relax and devour novels.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
A walk along the Thames on the Southbank. It shows off the glory of this city.
What are you currently reading?
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
What are you currently listening to?
Some Folk Pop on Spotify.
Happiness is?
That moment when the house lights start to fade in a theatre and you have no idea what you’re about to see. Or a matinee at the cinema solo with a big bag of popcorn.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m about to do a residency at the Banff Playwrights’ Colony in Canada – it’s a magical place in the mountains. Amongst various projects I’m writing, one is a legal show I’m developing. So maybe I’ll get to do some quasi-law training sooner rather than later. And I’m hoping to teach my son to ski. And if that fails, something else to help him appreciate the Canadian roots I’m bestowing him.
Evan Placey is a Canadian-British playwright who grew up in Toronto and now lives in London. In addition to Consensual, his plays include: Girls Like That; Mother of Him; Banana Boys; Suicide(s) in Vegas; Scarberia; How Was It For You?; Holloway Jones, and Pronoun. His work for radio includes Mother of Him (BBC Radio 3/Little Brother Productions). Placey is a Creative Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Southampton, and he also teaches playwriting to young people for various theatres, and also in prisons.
Sydney’s New Theatre is currently presenting the Australian premiere season of Evan’s explosive and thought-provoking drama, Consensual until 15 April 2017. For more information, visit: www.newtheatre.org.au for details.
Image: Evan Placey (supplied)