On the Couch with Phillip Rouse

Arts Review On the Couch Phillip RouseWho is Phillip Rouse?
Director, Playwright, Dramaturge, and white boy from Ringwood, Victoria.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d get up much earlier and do yoga.

Who inspires you and why?
My collaborators. They are patient with my wild ideas and usually are able to turn them into something incredibly special. It affirms the belief that humans can create beautiful things together. Not just destroy one another.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would charge governments with criminal negligence for giving subsidies to fossil fuel industries. I would dismantle Murdoch’s media empire. I would create an Australian culture that treats vulnerable peoples with humanity and compassion. So, you know, small things.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Berlin in the summer. Cheap drinks everywhere and a great chilled environment. Also, Art. Lots of Art.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I have a few beautiful parks near my house in Chatswood. So normally a lovely picnic is in order.

What are you currently reading?
The works of Nick Enright, and the Britannica guide to the Islamic world.

What are you currently listening to?
The Greatest hits of Blondie.

Happiness is?
Waking up next to the one you love.

What does the future hold for you?
A Property of the Clan by Nick Enright at The Blood Moon. A new venue in King’s Cross at The World Bar. We open on 30 September and run until 17 October. After that. Just getting my thoughts together for next year.

Phillip Rouse was born and raised in Melbourne. In 2012 he was accepted into the directors course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). His first directorial role post NIDA in Sydney was on the Patrick White classic The Ham Funeral for The New Theatre in April. This production was heavily praised and saw a five-week run.

Straight after this production opened he flew to Cooktown in far north Queensland to spend five weeks creating a show with the local community. The show was a site specific, bi lingual re-enactment of Captain Cook’s 1770 meeting with the Waymbuur Bama. Upon returning to Sydney he took over the directorial role for Hey! Yeah! It’s Molly’s travelling worm show! by Melita Rowston. This work was presented as part of the 2013 Malthouse Helium season.

In August 2013 Phil launched Don’t Look Away to pursue his deepening interest in presenting Australian playwrights and Australian stories. Don’t Look Away’s inaugural production of Rooted by Alex Buzo was presented in November at NIDA’s parade studio and received rave reviews.

The Legend of King O’Malley was Don’t Look Away’s second production. It premiered at La Mama Courthouse before touring to the Seymour Centre Reginald season. He has also directed The Great God Mogadon at the Melbourne Fringe, and recently completed his production of The Rivers of China at Theatre Works.

A Property of the Clan will play at The Blood Moon, Kings Cross from 30 September to 17 October. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/dontlookawaytc for details.

Image: Phillip Rouse