Who is Olivia Porter?
I’m one of the 12 performers in the Circus Oz show But Wait…There’s More. I’m the biggest idiot on the stage amongst all the amazing acrobats and aerialists. For most of the show I am the numpty running around in between everyone else… then I get to do my quirky, off-beat ball juggling act.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Nothing. I have an incredible life doing what I love to do.
Who inspires you and why?
My friends and peers. They are all unique, creative and interesting people that constantly push, encourage and challenge me. Along with Piña Bauche, Charlie Chaplin, The Seaweed Sisters, Tom Millica, The Kransky Sisters. All the hilarious and amazing choreographers, dancers and performers.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
End racism!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere near the ocean. I went to Santos in Vanuatu last year, which was just incredible. I stayed at a beautiful resort called Turtle Bay Lodge, which is right on the water. I went kayaking to a stunning blue water hole, swung off vines, went snorkelling, saw the whitest, most softest sand I had ever seen along with the clearest water, drank fresh coconuts and ate fresh lobster. It was pretty lush.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
If I am in Melbourne, I take them to my favourite pub called The Union, known for their delicious kangaroo, excellent music choices and a great pool table. If I am in Sydney, I would take them to Coogee for a swim in the surf and then go to Barzura for some yummy cocktails and food.
What are you currently reading?
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
What are you currently listening to?
Toots and the Maytals
Happiness is?
Playing pool with my best friend, a cold gin and tonic on a hot day, drawing caricatures of my friends, Sunday picnics in the park, plugging in my headphones and juggling, standing on my hands, making silly videos, hearing an audience roar and above all being paid to be an idiot.
What does the future hold for you?
A month-long season under our Big Top at The Entertainment Quarter! Come along and see the show!
Renowned for her innovative and unusual juggling style, Olivia Porter has taken the circus and physical theatre world by storm. Her comedic stage persona, theatrical physicality and never-before-seen manipulation skills have drawn national and international success with rave reviews, awards and multiple nominations.
Acclaimed for her storytelling, movement qualities and comedic surprise, Olivia’s left-of-centre work has drawn audiences at international fringe festivals, big and tiny tops, Spiegeltents, Versace podiums, contemporary theatres, tabletops and national television.
An independent and corporate performing artist since 2008, Olivia has also worked with circus companies including Vulcana Women’s Circus, Circa, Lunar Circus and 3 is a Crowd. Her career highlights have been performing at London Underbelly, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Darling Harbour Hoopla and to an audience of over 10, 000 at the Taiwan New Year Lantern Festival.
Olivia will be appearing in the Sydney season of Circus Oz’s But Wait…There’s More under the Big Top, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park from 30 December 2015. For more information, visit: www.circusoz.com for details.
Image: Olivia Porter – photo by Rob Blackburn