Who is Kidaan Zelleke?
As an artist, I like to think of myself first and foremost as a storyteller, and acting as my favourite extension of that. Whether that be on stage or screen, independent work or otherwise, I strive to be the kind of artist that brings a story to life with diligence and joy. That same spirit has previously led me into directing and inspires me to write.
As a friend, I am perhaps (arguably) funny, honest (but hopefully in the way that’d have you always trusting my opinion, not in the dream crushing way) and always available to watch you fold your laundry. As a closer friend, I am a menace. And loyal, so God be with you. As a person – a little bit mean, hopefully never nice, but as much as I can help it, always kind.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
A hairdresser and braider. I do not possess even a portion of those skills – my own hairdresser recommended I stop trimming my own fringe after having told me to give it a try. Alas, with training it would all be different and I stand by nine-year-old Kidaan’s dream job. No one else knew what to do with her curly hair, maybe one day in the future she could figure it out.
Who inspires you and why?
Honestly, this changes every week. If I’ve read or watched something new it will truly feel like nothing has ever inspired me more. Often if I’m working on a project, like I am now, I’m always inspired by the people I’m working with, not only by their process and how they work, but how they engage with it and reckon with its content and the world. Art is always political and therefore when you make it there’s always something of you in it.
What never changes is how inspired I am by friends. I have such cool friends, who do very cool things. Many of them have work that inspires me or how they engage in their work inspires me. But mostly it’s just them.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Ideally, I’d have lots and lots of money and give it all away. I can work on that. After that, and practically speaking, I’d volunteer once a week. It’s something my housemate started doing that I’d really like to do. We often think about a difference in the world being some great impact as opposed to the smaller steps that can eventually make a dent. Regardless, lots and lots of money would help a lot of people.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I am of the opinion that the best holiday destinations are made by the good memories and times you had there. This is perhaps most recent – on a tour, my production manager’s dad had an Airbnb in Murwillumbah (NSW) and we had a few days off there. It was a beauuuuuuutiful house with a pool and beautiful rooms, just stunning, and we had this lovely breakfast together out on the deck *chef’s kiss*.
And I feel like I should say Greece but I’m gonna say winter in Japan – I’ve been a couple times in spring but I’ve always wanted to go to the Onsens in the winter, it would just be so cosy.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’m going to give one for Melbourne and one for Adelaide because I live in Melbourne but being born and raised in Adelaide, I give my opinion very decidedly there.
I feel because I’m only coming up two years in Melbourne, my recommendations are still lacking, but generally I go with what I enjoyed when I visited – galleries and food but more informed. If there’s a good exhibition on at ACMI or NGV I will immediately recommend. Other than that, the Fitzroy markets.
Adelaide: If you’re going in March, then it’s the Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide. They’re just what I can name because that is currently what awaits me. Outside of March, if they’re a fan of wine and a chill time they can pick their favourite vineyard and go from there. If it’s summer, beach. My favourite is Carrickalinga.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Masters of Death by Olivie Blake.
What are you currently listening to?
I am a real album listener and I currently have a few on rotation: Everybody Scream by Florence and the Machine, The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean and Stick Season by Noah Khan.
Happiness is?
Temporary. Not to be a downer but it’s fleeting, I think. That’s not to put any morality on it, just to say they are moments to be cherished. Small little bursts.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully a great many good things. At the very least, I’m doing a lot more storytelling.
Kidaan stars in Trophy Boys – which will be presented in the Space Theatre – Adelaide Festival Centre from 17 March – 2 April 2026. For more information, visit: www.statetheatrecompany.com.au for details.
Trophy Boys will also be presented at the Theatre Royal, Hobert (15 – 18 April), Alexander Theatre, Clayton (21 – 22 April), Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat (24 April) and the Canberra Theatre Centre (28 April – 2 May).
Image: Kidaan Zelleke (supplied)