Who is Luke Kerridge?
I ask myself that all the time… I am a director, theatre-maker, storyteller and arts educator. I am also a traveller, daydreamer, boy who never really grew up, and a student.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would have been less apologetic about who I was and where I was at.
Who inspires you and why?
Artists. Too many to mention. A few that come to mind – Anne Bogart, Sarah Ruhl, Virginia Woolf, Ronnie Burkett, Alanis Morissette, Kate DiCamillo, my friend Candy Bowers. That’s a pretty broad range but I am particularly inspired by artists whose practice and life are so entwined that each becomes the other. I’m also a massive fan of Jim Henson. I think my interest in making ‘worlds’ began with him.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would re-think our education systems so they acknowledge different learning styles, encourage curiosity, nurture the individual and value the arts and creativity.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
India. Because it blows my mind like nowhere else. Other than that, anywhere there is saltwater, sun and sand, I’m in heaven.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
Brunswick St. It was one of the first places I was taken to when I first visited Melbourne and even now I live here, it still sums up Melbourne for me.
What are you currently reading?
What’s the Story – a collection of essays by Anne Bogart. She’s a theatrical hero of mine.
What are you currently listening to?
James Vincent McMorrow. I’m also quite dedicated to creating the perfect Spotify playlist and am pretty sure I’m getting close.
Happiness is?
Found on the inside and perfectly temporary. But some things I’ve found encourage its presence: coffee, saltwater, a good book, a warm summer evening, a good massage, and the perfect combination of good friends, good food and good conversation.
What does the future hold for you?
Theatre and more theatre. Further delving into my practice and refining the particular flavor of my work. I’m particularly interested in challenging how we think about theatre for young audiences in Australia. I’m also interested in dipping my toes into writing and creating my own work.
Luke Kerridge is a Director and Arts Educator whose primary interest is in making work for, and with, young people. Luke completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Directing at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2012. His other training includes: NIDA (Acting), a residency with the SITI Company (New York) and an internship with Brisbane physical theatre company Zen Zen Zo.
Luke’s Directing credits include: GROUP SHOW (MKA), Orlando (VCA), Bambert’s Book of Missing Stories (STC Ed Rough Drafts #1), Tell it Like it Isn’t (atyp), Island and [Imagine Title Here] (Shopfront). As Assistant Director: The Red and White Spotted Handkerchief (STC Ed). Directorial Secondments: The Crucible (MTC) and FOX (Monkey Baa/Siren Theatre Company). Whilst at VCA Luke was the recipient of Grace Marion Wilson Trust and the Jim Marks Postgraduate Scholarship.
Luke is currently directing Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice for Red Stitch, playing 3 September – 4 October. For more Information, visit: www.redstitch.net for details.
Image: Luke Kerridge