Who is James Jackson?
I am a director, writer and one the old guard/founding members of the fun-as-hell theatre team, Bloomshed. Aside from teaching high school students in rural Victoria, I spend my professional time laughing for a living. Not many people know this (and not that it really matters aside form the fact it’s curious), but I derive from Spanish/Argentinian and German immigrants. You know what that combo of blood does to someone’s brain? It’s PASSION but precise passion. Yeah, try living with it. Excruciating. I exhaust myself.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would have learnt the teachings of the Tao Te Ching much earlier in my life. Be like water. Embrace Wu Wei. All that stuff teaches us not to take anything too seriously (particularly theatre). God, we get so hung up about stuff sometimes. When all we need to do is take a break and let our deep brain think it through. You know what I mean?
I get scared when I’m talking to someone about theatre and they’re treating it as if it’s a life-or-death situation. It’s not. It’s theatre. It’s fun. It’s a privilege to write and make and perform. Stop treating this or that particular work like it’s your magnum opus. Shove in a dance break and keep it light. You can only be serious when it’s light. Light is dark. Dark is light. Wu wei.
That said, I’d never change anything about the work with Bloomshed. Even the mistakes were fun. And we’ve learnt a lot from them. Catastrophic failure’s always more interesting than something that’s “mid.” God – let’s pronounce moratorium on mid!
Who inspires you and why?
Old stuff. Specifically stuff that very few people know about or read. I’m so out there. I’m drawn to the sections of the library (yeah I still go to the library what of it?). Other than that, I’m inspired (read: infuriated) by ongoing all-consuming economic depravity. I really feel the elimination of inequality should be the number one focus of all humanity. Sad that our leaders don’t seem to agree.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I work with a group of people to tell stories that have widespread appeal and with those stories I try to shake people out of the comfort of what they know. I also teach high school students in a rural and underprivileged setting. Those are the things I do. Could I do more? Sure. I could remember to use my keep up. Do I believe we’re right to individualise social and structural problems? No. I genuinely think we need to divest power from the wealthy – but how? That’s what I’m still trying to work out. Eating them is not going to cut it anymore.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I don’t really care about holiday destinations. Yeah the Domo in Florence is nice but I can get that on Wikipedia without bumping into American tourists. A holiday is just wherever my people are. Making theatre with people I like is a bit like a holiday. All the better if I can bring my two year old. He’s the best audience member ever. He really cuts to the chase. If he doesn’t like a bit he’ll just disappear.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I bring them to my house. Not in a creepy Silence of the Lambs way. I cook risotto. Everyone loves risotto. Except Laura because she’s vegan. You know I read recently that vegans are more hated than actual murdering criminals. What’s that about? Anyway, we love Laura. She’s a great one.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Muskism: A guide for the perplexed by Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff. The whole AI bubble/techno-feudal crap is terrifying. And I’m pretty into the horror genre.
What are you currently listening to?
Going through a profound nostalgic kick at the moment. It’s the Goo Goo Dolls and Nickelback. This is uncharacteristically basic, but it’s the truth. No shade.
Happiness is?
Sticky date pudding and the promise of love.
What does the future hold for you?
Probably, ultimately, death.
James is the Creative Director of Bloomshed who will present their adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm in the Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne from 12 August 2026. For more information, visit: www.bloomshed.org for details.
Image: James Jackson (supplied)