Who is Karis Oka?
Great question!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Delete my emails after I’ve finished reading them.
Who inspires you and why?
I could give you the list but for some reason I feel protective over it. You could probably guess a few of them. Yes of course my mum, my best friends, some niche actors or musicians, but I’m honestly more inspired by moments/feelings than I am people.
Also random, but over the past few years I’ve discovered I’m really inspired by lighting. A neon light in a pool. Buzzing fluorescents in a 7-11. The crack under a doorway at the end of a hall. The blinking light on my laptop charger. I genuinely felt inspired just typing that out.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Saving someone from a myki fine by distracting the PTV officer.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Somewhere probably a few hours away with friends. Everyone always says it’s not about the destination it’s about the journey and they are saying that for good reason! I wish to always be on the way to somewhere else. Forever in transit with my best friends, excited for the next thing, not quite there yet but so so close!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I never get bored of the botanical gardens, I like to walk around and feel like I’m in a giant enclosure – it feels like the butterfly room at the zoo was made for humans, or like when Springfield gets put in a snow globe-like dome in the Simpsons movie or a sort of Hunger Games arena.
What are you currently reading?
Sometimes I say something so painfully on brand that all I can do is own it. This is one of those answers – I’m reading Girl, Interrupted. It’s been my comfort movie for years (don’t psychoanalyse me please) but I’ve never picked the book up until now. I knew it was time.
What are you currently listening to?
The album Negative Spaces by Poppy, the song Harvest Sky by Oklou and as always the Ratbag podcast by Mel & Sam. I’m also doing a deep dive on Gorillaz lore so have been listening to their discography in order which is soooo yum.
Happiness is?
Whatever you loved when you were 11.
What does the future hold for you?
All the things I need and hopefully even some things I want, and then death. Same as you!
Karis stars as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice The Musical – which is currently playing at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre until 3 August 2025. For more information, visit: www.beetlejuicethemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Karis Oka as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice The Musical – photo by Benny Capp