Who is Fleur Murphy?
Hummmm, what time of day is it and how many coffees have I had? If I’m keeping it simple I’m a Melbourne based playwright and theatre maker, I’m a mumma to a 5-year-old human and a 2-year-old jerk-of-a-cat-fur-baby, I’m a wifey to my husband, and friend to anyone that will chat with me in the supermarket checkout line.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I don’t know if I’d necessarily do anything differently. I do wish sometimes that I’d started writing earlier. When I was in my early teens I wanted to be a ballet or contemporary dancer, but I imagine that if I’d stuck with that I’d probably be retired now, so perhaps I would have ended up writing anyway.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m most inspired by those around me who are kind, generous and courageous. When it comes to creating work, I’m often inspired by actors that I know. I like to write with an actor in mind. It adds an element of not only working out how I can push a character, but how I can create exciting challenges for an actor too.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think I’m trying to make a difference through the work that I create, even in some small way. Writing and making theatre is how I try and make sense of this crazy world, so I hope that my work can create a space for empathy, where people’s consciousness and understanding of experiences and worlds unknown to them can be presented.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere cozy with an open fireplace. And it must have deliciously luxurious bed linen. Oh, and if it has a day spa and mineral springs that would be a bonus. I think I’m craving somewhere where a bit of R&R can happen.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The theatre, cafes… Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio! And we’d sample all of the delicious cakes and desserts on offer.
What are you currently reading?
See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill. It’s pretty gut wrenching, but it shines such a detailed light on the complexities of domestic violence and abuse in Australia. I’m currently working on a new theatre piece that tackles these themes, so this book has been an insightful resource. I also just ordered a book of poetry by Emilie Collyer called Do you have anything less domestic that I’m looking forward to reading soon.
What are you currently listening to?
I love podcasts. My favorites are Heavyweight, Noble Blood and How Did This Get Made? Music wise it’s often whatever my daughter wants to listen to – which at the moment is a Barbie movie soundtrack (sigh).
Happiness is?
Going on theatre dates with my husband. Listening to my daughter read. Ice-cream… no matter the weather. Being in a rehearsal room.
What does the future hold for you?
If I can keep writing, playing, and creating work with a bunch of ace people then that would be amazing. I have some projects in the pipeline that I’m looking forward to developing a little more later in the year. I’d love to tour my work to regional audiences. I’d also love a family holiday.
Fleur is the playwright of Hearth – which will be presented at the La Mama Courthouse (18 – 29 May); Riverlinks Westside, Mooroopna (7 June); and the Gasworks Theatre (10 – 11 June); Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin (15 June); and Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey (17 June 2022). For more information, visit: www.fleurmurphy.com for details.
Image: Fleur Murphy (supplied)