Who is Paul Capsis?
A working Performer, currently rehearsing Resident Alien – a play about Quentin Crisp for fortyfivedownstairs in Melbourne. The play opens this week!
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would plan more. Work out ways to travel and see more of the world. Travel is one my favourite things to do. I would take more time to think things through, instead of jumping in and just doing – as I did for most of my twenties and thirties.
Who inspires you and why?
There are many who inspire me both living and passed on. I do find myself having to search through history to find inspirations. People like Quentin Crisp and Edith Piaf. These were people who were totally unafraid to be who they truly were, and say what they truly thought and felt, either through writing or performing. Patti Smith is one of few living artists, who inspires me today – she is just herself and isn’t afraid to be, exactly who she is.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Plant more trees. Protect the bees, give much more funding to the arts, limit the vast amounts of sports coverage and reality television that pollutes the small screen nowadays. Encourage Australian stories to be told – BUT I mean, all our stories, not the ones hand picked by the same, tired and boring folk who seem hell bent on selling the old lies!!!!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
New York- because it throbs! Its awake.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
The Sydney Opera House because it is the high cathedral of art.
What are you currently reading?
Resident Alien: The New York Diaries by Quentin Crisp
What are you currently listening to?
Anything Edith Piaf, or the current film soundtrack to Janis: Little Girl Blue documentary.
Happiness is?
Accepting that we can’t always be happy. Happiness is the rare state in which we all strive to be in, possibly all the time or just sometimes. The reality is, that it’s more sometimes. I accept this and look forward to those ecstatic moments that are rare in life.
What does the future hold for you?
I am about to give myself over to the spirit of Quentin Crisp – to live for a moment in his skin and to impart his delicious message to the people of Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra 2016. Its great for now!
Paul will be appearing in Tim Fountain’s Resident Alien at Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs: 26 May – 12 June 2016, before touring to Sydney’s Seymour Centre (12 – 24 July) and Canberra’s The Street Theatre (27 July – 7 August).
Image: Paul Capsis