Who is Philippe Klaus?
Depends what time it is. In the morning, I’m an incoherent sour lemon confusingly trying to start the shower with my opal card. Once I’m more awake I’m pretty pleasant until exactly four things have upset me during the day, then I lose my temper. I’m very predictable.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Be more charming when I express unpopular opinions. Some people express unpopular opinions so charmingly that it actually facilitates productive conversation. Alas, I am no such wizard.
Who inspires you and why?
I find Maajid Nawaz very inspiring. I think he’s very eloquent and also willing to say unpopular things. And he’s charming!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Tell the truth. It really does make a lot of waves.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Not that I’ve been there, but Israel. It would be character building and a good talking point when I came back.
When friends come to town where do you take them and why?
I am really terrible at taking friends around town. First stop is usually a café in Surry Hills I don’t want to name. I go there because the coffee’s good but I get so embarrassed if my friend then orders a seven-dollar smoothie and it comes out in a little jam-jar. Stinginess disguised as hipness. It’s a national embarrassment and it has to stop.
What are you currently reading?
Why the West Rules – For Now by Ian Morris. I also just finished Big Brother by Lionel Shriver, an unexpectedly entertaining story about morbid obesity.
What are you currently listening to?
A podcast with Sam Harris and James Kirchick on the coming Trump presidency. They’re both poohing their pants.
Happiness is?
Having justified your existence for the day and feeling free to waste the rest of it on cat videos. (I’m not actually into cat videos, that’s just a cover-up guilty pleasure. I don’t want to share my actual guilty pleasure because I feel guilty about it.)
What does the future hold for you?
I’m going to keep working in Australia for a while and once I’ve saved a bit go travel again. I opened an ING direct account the other day, so I must be serious.
Philippe is the Musical Director/Composer on Don’t Look Away’s production of Babes in the Woods at the Old Fitz Theatre, Woolloomooloo until 21 December 2016, and then 6 – 21 January 2017. For more information, visit: www.redlineproductions.com.au for details.
Image: Philippe Klaus