Who is Harley Mann?
First up, I’m someone who loves his family – a son, a brother, and a partner doing my best to show up when it counts. You might also know me as the artistic director of Circa Cairns, or maybe from Na Djinang Circus, which I founded and look after as Artistic Custodian. I’m basically a massive circus and theatre nerd. Being a part of the First Nations community is a huge part of who I am.
I love pushing boundaries and seeing what’s possible – in circus and in life. When I’m not doing that, you’ll probably find me geeking out over anime or stumbling through my Japanese lessons. I like to think I’m funny but with a twisted sense of humour and if you catch me on a Friday arvo I’m sure to have a beer in hand.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I recently stepped back from performing – it was a tough call, but keeping my body ready and safe for the intense circus work we create was becoming too much to balance. But here’s the thing – these past few months I’ve found myself back on stage a few times, just by chance, and that old thrill hit me all over again. That rush, that joy of performing – it’s still there, tempting me.
What I really want is to find a new way forward. Some sweet spot where my body and circus can meet in the middle, letting me both perform and direct. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I’m dreaming of finding that balance.
Who inspires you and why?
I find inspiration in many places, but right now I’m captivated by Peter Brook. I know I’m late discovering him – he’s a legendary English theatre maker who transformed avant-garde theatre in the 20th century through his bold vision and experimental work.
What really gets me about Brook is how he puts words to the feelings that so many of us in theatre have but struggle to express; when you’re just starting out as a creator, and you have all these instincts and ideas bubbling under the surface.
Brook somehow captures that perfectly. His way of looking at theatre – and really, at the world – manages to be both deeply analytical and full of hope. He can look at something critically while still seeing all its possibility and wonder.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I don’t buy into the idea of changing the world in that grand, sweeping way people often talk about. It puts too much weight on an individual’s shoulders – none of us should carry that kind of pressure or wield that kind of power. I prefer the notion that change thrives in quieter moments, unfolding gradually at the individual level.
Personally, I’m dedicated to broadening my perspective – through art, diverse locations, cultural experiences, understanding marginalization, appreciating nuance, and exploring varied ways of life – while simultaneously challenging myself to replace judgment with genuine curiosity.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve got two perfect escapes, each serving its own purpose: There’s Kiama beach down on the NSW coast – all white sand and rough waves. It’s just pure, simple beauty.
Then there’s what I call my escape hatch formula – I’m not picky about where, just give me an Airbnb with a bathtub and a fireplace, and I’m set.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
There’s this bar in Footscray called Mr. West, and it’s got two perfect moods. On sunny days, you’re out on the street, beer in hand, watching Footscray’s curly characters bring the neighbourhood to life. But when the weather turns (which in Melbourne it always does), you migrate upstairs to the dark, moody booths that match the angst of the city. Either way, you’re drinking good beer and getting American-style pizza delivered from Slice’s across the road. Perfection.
What are you currently reading?
Peter Brook’s The Open Door. Before that I read The Empty Space.
What are you currently listening to?
Juukan by Spinefex Gum.
Happiness is?
Is the fleeting moment on a Sunday morning when you have a coffee in hand and you have just started the latest episode of Solo Leveling, Arise.
What does the future hold for you?
As a touring artist my future will likely involve traveling to a few new and exciting places. One that I’m very excited about is Sao Paulo, Brazil. Where we are looking to take a our show Of the Land on Which We meet. This will be my first visit to Brazil and sim very excited to see the country and culture.
Harley is the director of The Wet – which will be presented by Circa Cairns at the Alexander Theatre – The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, Monash University, Clayton, 21 – 22 March 2025. For more information, visit: www.circa.org.au for details.
Image: Harley Mann (supplied)