On the Couch with Julian Hobba

Julian Hobba_oncWho is Julian Hobba? Julian is a theatre maker and the Artistic Director of Aspen Island Theatre Company, a new contemporary Australian theatre company based in Canberra.

What would you do differently to what you do now? Having really just fully started what I’m doing now, I’m loth to even think about what would come next …

Who inspires you and why? Allen Ginsberg, because his art, politics and sexuality were all fully expressed in his being in the world. He took a spirit of joy and outspokenness with him everywhere. 

What would you do to make a difference in the world? I hope what I do now can make a difference in the world. I think making theatre is an authentic thing for me to do in the world, and I suspect that authenticity is what we each have to aim for.

Favourite holiday destination and why? North Coast NSW, because I have great friends there; because it’s so lush and abundant and a dedicated place for progressiveness in Australia. And the beaches are so great. 

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why? Some of the great local art institutions, like Gorman House, which people might not normally find. The National Arboretum and NGA are great. But also the Lifeline Bookfair and Tiny’s Green Shed!

What are you currently reading? The Odyssey and the School of Life book about how to think about exercise (by Damon Young).

What are you currently listening to? The National, Little Dragon, The Beatles.

Happiness is? A ripe tomato.

What does the future hold for you? I hope Aspen Island Theatre Company will continue to make high quality work in Canberra over the next few years!

Julian Hobba is a theatre maker and Artistic Director of Aspen Island Theatre Company. He was the former Program Manager – Arts and Culture for the Centenary of Canberra celebrations. Julian has directed, produced and written three independent works in Melbourne.

He wrote and directed Honey Bunny’s Sagittarian Full Moon Finale (2011) and wrote and produced I do, in Caroline Springs (Dir. Peter J Adams, 2005) and Delicacy (Dir. Wesley Enoch, 2006). His play Father Son Rule was shortlisted for the 2008 Griffin Award.

Julian is currently directing Bartleby at Canberra’s The Street Theatre until 3 August 2014. For more information, visit: www.thestreet.org.au for details.

Image: Julian Hobba