Who is Krystal Cave?
I am an observer, a storyteller, a chronic doodler in the margins of life. I’m an actor, visual artist and creative who’s endlessly fascinated by people, symbolism, atmosphere and the quiet things left unsaid. I think storytelling sits at the centre of everything I do – whether that’s performance, illustration, design, writing, or even reimagining spaces and gardens. Everything has a story to me. Sometimes that’s inspiring… sometimes it means I have about forty unfinished journals and ideas scattered through the house like a beautiful archaeological dig site.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’d probably trust my instincts earlier and stop waiting for everything to be perfect before leaping. I’m fiercely loyal and determined, which can be a strength, but it also means I’ll sometimes keep watering a dead plant out of sheer commitment. I have a million ideas at any given moment and I’m very good at beginning things with terrifying enthusiasm. Finishing them, however, is the lifelong quest. But I’m learning that the messy, imperfect version done now is often more powerful than the perfect version that never leaves the notebook.
Who inspires you and why?
People who create worlds. Artists who trust atmosphere and stillness and don’t feel the need to over explain things. I’m inspired by storytellers, designers, musicians, painters; anyone who can make you feel something before you even understand why. I’m also endlessly inspired by mythology, ancient history, forgotten women of history, architecture, nature and science. I love the intersection where art and mystery meet. There’s something deeply human in our need to tell stories to explain the unknown.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Build spaces and stories that connect people. I think art has this incredible ability to make people feel seen, understood and less alone. I’d love to continue creating work across different mediums; stage, screen, visual art, exhibitions – while also building community around creativity. The arts changed my life, so giving other people permission to create boldly and take up space feels incredibly important to me.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere near water and trees. Ideally somewhere with a little mystery and history to it. I love places that feel ancient or cinematic; somewhere you can hear the wind through trees, smell the ocean air and completely lose track of time. Water resets me creatively. Nature reminds me what actually matters.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Probably The Bluff boardwalk between Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach. I might be a little bias because it’s my town but there’s something really beautiful about that stretch of coastline; the vastness of the ocean, the ruggedness of the cliffs, the changing light on any given moment of the day. I always think places tell you who they are if you slow down enough to notice them. I’d much rather show my visitors somewhere with atmosphere and feeling because that is what Adelaide does so well, it’s more than just landmarks.
What are you currently reading?
My old acting coach once asked what I was reading, and instead of showing him one book, I fronted up to our Skype session with an entire stack of books balancing in my arms. He laughed a little too long, calling it “Book Mountain,” which honestly still feels very accurate. I have a habit of getting distracted by new ideas halfway through a book and suddenly finding myself three chapters deep into something completely different; mythology, psychology, creativity, quantum theory, scripts; usually all at once depending on where my curiosity decides to wander that week. At the moment I’m reading Yet She Lives by Lisa Hannett, and I’ve recently finished Quantum Healing by Deepak Chopra. Honestly, I don’t have enough bookmarks, sticky notes and bits of paper to keep up.
What are you currently listening to?
Anything atmospheric that sparks imagination. A lot of dark fantasy inspired music, neo-classical pieces and acoustic piano while I’m renovating, creating or drawing. Then my playlists suddenly swerve into rock, pop or something completely unexpected. It’s absolute organised chaos. Agnes Obel, No Doubt, Muse, Tame Impala, Little Richard, and Electric Light Orchestra all coexist peacefully in my world. I also love anything that feels cinematic or slightly otherworldly. Favorite song right now: Long Haird Sally which brings me to “Happiness is?”.
Happiness is?
Being fully present. Good conversation, creative flow, ocean air, soft fabrics, beautiful chocolate, music playing in the background and that rare feeling where time disappears for a little while. Happiness feels less like a giant moment and more like tiny pockets of magic you learn to notice.
What does the future hold for you?
More storytelling in every form possible because I genuinely can’t imagine living without it. I’m currently developing a body of visual artwork I hope to exhibit in the future, working on a few screen and theatre projects with close collaborators, and continuing to build creative community around the arts. I want to keep creating work that feels immersive, honest and a little bit magical; the kind of work that lingers with people long after they’ve experienced it.
Krystal stars as Sylvia in the South Australian premiere of Beth Steel’s Till The Stars Come Down at Holden Street Theatres until 13 June 2026. For more information, visit: www.holdenstreettheatres.com for details.
Image: Krystal Cave (supplied)