On the Couch with Kala Gare

Kala-Gare-AAR-On-the-CouchWho is Kala Gare?
Hello! My names Kala Gare and I’m a performing artist based in Naarm/Melbourne. I’m currently working in theatre, but I also write my own music and am dabbling in my free time to get an EP up and running! So keep you’re eyes peeled?

What would you do differently from what you do now?
If you mean in terms of the show, I don’t think there’s too much really! The character of Anne has such freedom and liberty to play, it’s a massive gift on stage to have that much room and be the multifaceted character that she is! If you mean in life – the dream is to move fluidly between the theater, music and screen industries, and that is what is eventuating! So no, I don’t think i’d be doing anything differently! Maybe a bit more travel? Maybe the travel comes from filming on location hehe.

Who inspires you and why?
This shifts constantly, there are so many people who I am inspired by or am fangirling over at a given time, but at the moment the first people that come to mind are the Queens who I share this show with, and the company surrounding it. It’s truly full of some badass solid humans that move through this world with such grace and heart – as well as incredible skill that I am constantly in awe of. It really is a phenomenal group of people, each shining very brightly individually as well as collectively. A very beautiful thing. I would also be a miss to not mention my family. Absolutely whole heartedly inspired by them and grounded by them 24/7.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d like to think that this is something I touch on through my performing, especially within my own music. I love to authentically share my emotions, and I find that in doing that there is a community that grows based on honoring the truth of what you are feeling and giving yourself the space to feel that, maybe remembering that we’re all going through this wild ride of life together, and all feeling less alone. I think it would be around connection, and sharing joys, highs, lows – truths, through song and story telling. The gift of performance, to allow the audience the room to feel. Such a beautiful and sacred thing, something that is a great responsibility that comes with the craft.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Probably Italia! My background is half Italian and I love the food and culture and history and richness of all these things there, and venturing to where my family is from in the mountains always has a shiny glow around it in my mind. I haven’t been in so long and you’re making me want to go – and i’m now also hungry.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would probably take them to a gig! I’m from Melbourne and the music scene is HOT – and if I know a friend that is performing, or there’s a killer line up somewhere – that feels like a good vibe to showcase Melbourne and its sexy music scene! And of course we get good food somewhere.

What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory and I’m absolutely loving it. Obsessed.

What are you currently listening to?
As I’m writing this i’m listening to the brilliant album Hollywood Africans by the incredible Jon Batiste. It’s raining here for the first time and I’ve got a beautiful window looking out on the lake, and this album paired with the rain is a vibe and a half.

Happiness is?
hmmm. The first thing that came to mind is acceptance. I think that’s a beautiful step on the road to happiness. Also, chocolate.

What does the future hold for you?
Who knows! Which today is exciting. I love to dream about all of the possibilities it could be. Like I said before, I’m working towards moving between the theater, music and screen industries, writing my own work and producing who knows what! Who knows how it will happen, but like Anne, I’ve got big drive and big dreams! Where it all lands we shall see!


Kala stars as Anne Boleyn in SIX The Musical – currently playing at the Canberra Theatre Centre until 15 May, before heading to Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide from 21 May, and the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne from 17 June 2022. For more information, visit: www.sixthemusical.com for details.

Image: Kala Gare (supplied)