Who is Martha Lott?
I’m a Mum, a Creator, an Artistic Director, an Artist, a dog owner, a gardener, a part-time Goat Farmer, and a Woman.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Be braver and believe in myself more, and maybe not ask people who I should be and what I should do as much as I did. Other than that, I have finally learnt that everything brought me here and whilst some of it I could have gone through a little quieter, I am happy.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m sure it has been said before but my children inspire me daily. They inspire me to grow and evolve so I can be the person they need as they grow.
Artistically, I am inspired by the artists I see creating new work and being brave, which inspires me to keep creating. People inspire me, I love hearing stories about their lives. Tenacity inspires me. Also, my friends David and Lizzie (they know why), they are pure love and respect.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I truly believe that Art and particularly theatre can change the world. On stage we see how people live, learn about history, and social issues and watch lives played out, we relate to live performances in a different way than watching the same thing on a screen, it seems more tangible, and I believe it sinks further in.
Being a part of a production makes people feel they belong and helps people to find who they are which is invaluable for young people. So, I would make performing and visual arts mandatory in schools from reception to year 12. I would make it mandatory that governments spend the same on funding the arts, sports and health, in fact, let’s even all the portfolios up and see what happens.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Middleton, South Australia for stillness and calm and great beaches. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy though, anywhere really, so long as I can leave the laptop at home and take the kids.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
We always take our international artists on a winery trip through the hills and via Meadows to K1 Winery in Kuitpo Forest and Pertaringa Wines in McLaren Vale, then head down to Port Willunga to walk along the beaches before heading home.
Personally, I like a drive through the Adelaide Hills, a walk around the Cedars then down to town for the Art Gallery, the beach and lunch or dinner at the Greek on Halifax.
What are you currently reading?
I’m learning lines for the next show, A Cheery Soul by Patrick White, so I’m constantly reading the script. I’m also researching for a new work I am writing – so lots of reading about rural communities.
What are you currently listening to?
A lot of QUEEN at the moment – for some reason it keeps popping up everywhere…, Joni Mitchell and Carole King, Jamiroquai and Macy Gray.
Happiness is?
Sunshine, lollipops, rainbows – now apparently, I am also listening to Lesley Gore… Honestly (in no particular order), happiness for me comes from a few things, from that invigorating feeling when you inhabit a character and you are so in the moment that it really doesn’t feel like you, in fact, there is no you; the fall on the floor, crying with laughter when whoever you are with gets it and you can’t stop laughing, then you get it together and it just creeps out again and you are gone…. being outside and feeling the weather – no matter what it is and lastly family and the kids being content and feeling confident and safe to just be them, no matter what.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope, performing more, making new work and smashing classics, working with new people, learning new skills, writing, making a difference in the world, getting to play the roles of a lifetime, living until I’m really old and annoying….
Martha stars as Miss Docker in Patrick White’s A Cheery Soul at the Holden Street Theatres from 24 September – 12 October 2024. For more information, visit: www.holdenstreettheatres.com for details.
Image: Martha Lott (supplied)