Who is Richard Murphet?
My best guesstimate; a matured body just holding in place a child-like curiosity. My CV entry; a Writer/Director for many decades, about to present his latest show The Darkening Sky at Theatre Works.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Part of me wants to disappear forever into the bush, the desert, the jungle and forget city life. Part of me is still an urban theatre-tragic who loves coffee with my friends and the joy of communicating with a live audience.
Who inspires you and why?
Greta Thunberg: child-like body just holding in place a world-mind, with a driving passion. David Lynch (and many similar artists) who break through the veneer of the social to reveal the horrors and ecstasies of the inner social and/or personal life. Those countless unknowns who commit their lives to their community, their people, their planet and who maybe get their one five second flash of recognition on public media.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I am trying. Artists of all forms are trying. Art cannot directly change the world. But at its best it can suggest ways in which we humans can thrive without destroying all around us.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Sandy Point (near Wilsons Promontory). Where I can create my own rhythm of living, with a bay and a beach to die for.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The CBD at night. Not the nightclubs but the dark lanes and forgotten places of the old city.
What are you currently reading?
A Small Death in Lisbon by Robert Wilson, and a biography of Susan Sontag.
What are you currently listening to?
Crack Up by Fleet Foxes, Ascenseur pour L’Echafaud by Miles Davis and From the Canyon to the Stars by Olivier Messiaen.
Happiness is?
What I’m currently doing – a morning cuddle with my loved one and a day rehearsing with people I love.
What does the future hold for you?
A life well-lived and a death well-taken.
Richard has Written and Directed the premiere season of The Darkening Sky – which will be presented at Theatre Works from 17 – 26 March 2022. For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au for details.
Image: Richard Murphet (supplied)