Who is Karin McCracken?
I’m a writer and performer based in Aotearoa New Zealand. I previously trained as a lawyer, but jumped ship pretty shortly after being admitted to the bar.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
There’s plenty I should already do differently, but if you mean professionally, I think I’d excel as a dog walker.
Who inspires you and why?
In art, people who are radically honest and unafraid of blowback. I’m thinking of writers like Chris Kraus, Tony Tulathimutte and Annie Ernaux.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I make art, and I think that makes a difference, as trite as it sounds.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Marseille, in the south of France. It’s unpretentious, the people are friendly, it’s right on the water, the food is great, and there are jaw dropping views around every corner. People aren’t even mean to you when you practice your very poor French on them.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d probably focus on the food and drink culture in Wellington – I’d take them for a flat white at Customs on Ghuznee Street, lunch around the corner at Kisa, and a drink at Regent. If it’s sunny, I’m headed to the south coast for a walk to Red Rocks. We may see seals.
What are you currently reading?
This morning I finished Norman Rush’s Mating, which I adored. I’m now splitting my time between The Wonderful World that Almost Was by Andrew Durbin, a recounting of the relationship between Peter Hujar and Paul Thek, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (my first Kingsolver, long overdue), and The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m writing a play that is set in 2008, so I’m listening to a lot of indie-pop from that era to try and set the scene. Basically any band that was featured in an ‘The OC’ soundtrack is on the list.
Happiness is?
Seeing a really, really excellent live performance with people I care about. Such a specifically joyful experience. Earlier this year while we were in New York with our show, Simon (my co-performer in Heartbreak Hotel) and I managed to get tickets to the new production of Ragtime at the Lincoln Centre. I was basically crying with happiness from the first song.
What does the future hold for you?
In the short-term future; more performing, more writing. Eleanor and I are going to adapt one of our shows into a German language version later this year, in Germany with a German performer, which will be a new challenge that we’re both looking forward to. In the long-term; hopefully more touring, more writing. I’d love to have a dog at some point in the future (see answer to q2).
Karin can be seen in the critically acclaimed Heartbreak Hotel – which will play the Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne from 14 – 19 July, before heading to Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat on 8 August, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Wollongong from 12 – 15 August, and HOTA Gold Coast from 19 – 22 August 2026.
Image: Karin McCracken – photo by Lewis Ferris