Who is Lewis Treston?
The longer I live, the less I know for sure. But I suppose I’m a thirty-something-year-old white gay guy who has spent a lot of time around theatres and writing plays.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Questions like this are funny because they make me realise that I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, taken wrong turns, and been in the wrong, but all of those experiences have taught me something about life and myself. However, if pressed, I would have spent less time worrying once I’ve done the work.
Who inspires you and why?
On an artistic front, I’m always inspired by artists who have perfected their own individual style and expanded the form. I started to make a list of names, but it quickly became too long and tedious to read. In short, I admire artists, across disciplines, who have mastered their craft and fully realised their own voice.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I could press pause on this whole AI thing, I would. There’s so much precarity in the world right now, and I don’t see how introducing a sentient super technology will help, especially if you consider that on a societal level, we haven’t even found a responsible way to use social media without upending civilization. Why throw petrol onto a dumpster fire? I am not a tinfoil hat wearing conspiracy theorist, I swear.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Recently, I walked the El Camino, which is an 800KM pilgrimage from the French border across Spain ending in Santiago. It was extraordinary, gruelling, and magical, and I’d love to do it again.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I absolutely love Brisbane/Meanjin, but I’m not the best tour guide. If I were making an effort, I’d probably take this hypothetical friend for an afternoon walk around South Bank and the Brisbane River before dinner at Happy Boy in Fortitude Valley. However, it’s hard to beat drinks by my pool on a hot Queensland summer day.
What are you currently reading?
I’m going through a biography phase. I recently finished Mike Nichols: A Life by Mark Harris, and I’m now halfway through Masquerade: The Lives of Noel Coward by Oliver Soden. They’re both excellent, and I recommend them without hesitation.
What are you currently listening to?
Ray of Light by Madonna is an album that can resonate with you at every stage of your life. I am also listening to Disney Princess anthems to soothe my nerves during rehearsals.
Happiness is?
Happiness is a pleasant sensation that sometimes occurs between figuring out what you want and actually getting it.
What does the future hold for you?
I drew a tarot card to answer this question, and I got “The Hermit” in reverse. So, in my future, I’m probably going to feel compelled to retreat into myself and lick my wounds, but what I need to do is stay connected with my community.
Lewis is the Playwright of IRL – presented by La Boite Theatre in a world premiere season at the Roundhouse Theatre until 25 November 2023. For more information, visit: www.laboite.com.au for details.
Image: Lewis Treston – photo by Rohan James Photography