Who is Katrina Cornwell?
Someone who always orders the same meal at the same restaurant.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I didn’t work in the arts, I would be a physiotherapist. I’m fascinated with how bodies work and I’d love to help people in such an immediate way.
Who inspires you and why?
When I need inspiration, I watch YouTube clips from the work of Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter. His work is rhythmic, unapologetic and captures the inherent dichotomies of life. I sit close and imagine and I one of those dancers. It fills me with a sense of being alive.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Create spaces, projects, opportunities and events where people can come together and connect. We are inherently social creatures that need community to thrive.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Isla Mujeres. It’s a small island off the coast of Cancun in Mexico where you can hire golf cart buggies to drive around. There are beaches, markets, tacos and Margaritas – it’s paradise.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The National Gallery of Victoria. It’s very good and it’s free.
What are you currently reading?
At the moment, I am mostly reading emails and the script for Peacemongers. However, I recently devoured Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower. It’s a dystopian story of hope and terror with an unapologetic female protagonist.
What are you currently listening to?
The Hidden Brain podcast series. If you’re looking for a good episode to start on Escaping the Matrix unpacks how social media is feeding into our collective anxiety and offers some remedies.
Happiness is?
Coffee in bed on a Sunday morning. The electricity of a discovery in the rehearsal room. Dumb jokes. A 5-minute sugar high with friends. My dog after his bath. Strolling through the city at sunset. Dancing. Being quiet. Nature.
What does the future hold for you?
Later this year, I will direct a new dance theatre work made with the award-winning Rawcus Ensemble that premieres at The Substation in August. The work explores the gulf that can exist between our internal and external selves through exquisite text, imagery and movement.
Katrina is the director & co-creator of Peacemongers – which will be presented at the Darebin Arts Centre from 24 April – 5 May 2024. For more information, visit: www.thepeoplemaketheatre.com for details.
Image: Katrina Cornwell (supplied)