Who is Nicci Wilks?
Nicci has been working in the performing arts for over 30 years performing at festivals and theatres around the world from the Pitjantjatjara lands to 42nd St. She has created many new works of various art forms as a performer, creator/devisor and director with numerous companies and independent theatre artists throughout Australia. Companies she has worked with include: Circus Oz, Melbourne Theatre Company, Malthouse, KAGE, Melbourne Workers Theatre, CIRCA, Hothouse Theatre, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus, The Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe, Dislocate, Legs On The Wall and Dee & Cornelius. She also works as a Clown Doctor for The Humour Foundation. She was a performer in the multi award winning show SHIT by Patricia Cornelius, Assistant Director and performer for the Green Room Award winning show Taxi by Dee & Cornelius and co-creator of the highly acclaimed show The Long Pigs. She has one dog.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I can’t imagine doing anything else as I began performing and touring when I was 13 years old with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus. It’s such a major part of my life.
Who inspires you and why?
My elders in the performing arts industry – the ones I grew up watching and the ones I work with now.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d take money from the rich and give to the poor.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I don’t get regular holidays in this industry so I usually try to take a break after a tour if I can. After one tour in NYC, I flew to Cuba for a few weeks and had a fabulous holiday. I wouldn’t go there for the food but everything else was fascinating.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Marios on Brunswick St. I’ve been going there ever since I moved to Melbourne in the late 80’s. Great food, great staff.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve got a stack of books by the bed including: The Notebook Trilogy by Agota Kristof, The Brain’s Way of Healing by Norman Doidge, Why Is That So Funny by John Wright. Clowns. In conversation with modern masters by Ezra Lebank and David Bridel.
What are you currently listening to?
Benjamin Clementine. Collins Lynch Watson. Alright, this time just the girls!
Happiness is?
Laughter.
What does the future hold for you?
Finishing this sentence and heading to rehearsals.
Nicci joins theatre-makers, Susie Dee and Kate Sherman to present the world premiere of Animal – an unflinching examination of violence and violence against women – at Theatre Works from 18 November 2016. For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au for details.
Image: Nicci Wilks