Who is Keith Brockett?
An enigmatic Russian count, an English hypnotist, a heroine pale of skin and even paler personality, a sun-tanned sidekick, a sinister Chinese commissioner, a unperturbed mother, a New South Wales Premier, a Minister of War, a turkey farmer, a man few admire and even less remember, a French messenger, a battle cruiser and a Mongol Horde… It’s been a busy few months!
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Learn to enjoy the “right now” a little more, rather than constantly worrying about the “just then” and the “what next”… Also, I’d like to have been a gymnast. Or a travel writer for Lonely Planet.
Who inspires you and why?
People living their passion. But more so, those willing to sacrifice their own passion so that others may live theirs.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Be kind to one another; we’re fragile enough as it is.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I go to Japan to lose myself, and France to find my self again.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
There’s this little place I like to go to in the city called Manchuria. It’s down a deserted alley, up a flight of stairs, and behind a set of non-descript fire doors. But once you step through, and it’s like being transported into your own little pocket universe of luxury and decadence. Love it!
What are you currently reading?
Blacksad by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido – A collection of noir style stories about an anthropomorphised cat solving murders as a hardboiled private investigator. How could you not?
What are you currently listening to?
Hamilton – An American Musical. Nuff said.
Happiness is?
That little giggle that bubbles up from deep inside, and your ears begin to tingle and your cheeks grow warm, and your eyes begin to search the room for someone to share that feeling with. Yeah, that.
What does the future hold for you?
My keys, hopefully, because I misplaced them this morning. Fingers crossed they turn up soon…
Born in the UK, Keith Brockett trained at the National Theatre Drama School and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and has performed extensively throughout Australia, including Happy Ending for Melbourne Theatre Company, Still a Hero, Motherf*cker, and Porcelain at La Mama, All That I Will Ever Be at Chapel off Chapel, Sex Diary of an Infidel, Because of Reasons, and Noises Off!. He was also awarded Best Male Actor for his performance in Death by 1000 Cuts at the 2007 Short and Sweet Festival.
Keith was a series regular in the ABC cult hit The Librarians, for which the cast received Best Comedy Ensemble at the inaugural Equity Awards, and has worked on Rush, The Time of Our Lives, Bruce Lee Played Badminton Too, Warren and Hal and Verite. Keith is a co-founder of The Kin Collective, as well as a frequent collaborator with Melbourne-based theatre company 15 Minutes from Anywhere.
Keith is currently appearing in The Yellow Wave at The Butterfly Club from 17 – 29 November 2015 as part of the inaugural Poppy Seed Festival. For more information, visit: www.thebutterflyclub.com or www.poppyseed.net.au for details.
Image: Keith Brockett