Who is Rohan Browne?
Father. Actor. Singer. Dancer. Music lover. Avid full-time food lover – part-time maker.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
That’s a really good question. I think if I wasn’t an artist I would still think my natural need to express myself would drive what I did, so I think I’d work somewhere in the music/bar scene. I’d love to open a little local joint that represented that family-friend dinner party. But there’s always that dream of running a little watersports shack on a remote island somewhere and living the beach life [but that’s just a pipe dream, right?!?!]
Who inspires you and why?
I’ve been really inspired by what the team over at The Imperfects podcast have and are continuing to do – shine a light on vulnerability, giving people, myself included, tools to use, insightful and incredible guests who share their stories about hardship, pain, trauma and the beauty of life – it’s a beacon of hope for all of us.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
In the micro sense of it, I think I’m trying to teach my son how to treat people, how to always come with kindness and how to navigate this world, and his world, in a bigger macro. If I had the power to change something dramatically it would be that everyone could only use their phone for one hour a day.
I think then it would really challenge us to only use it for essential things, social media would crumble, people’s direct connection with everyone and the world around them would grow dramatically and there would be a greater sense of community. The list goes on.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
We – my wife, son and I – absolutely love Bali. For the parents it’s an easy flight with a 3-year-old; the Balinese people are lovely, the weather, food and settings are 10/10. Disclaimer: we have two Bali trips planned over the next six months! If it’s a dream holiday, the Maldives are at the top followed closely by Japan.
What are you currently reading?
I am loathe to say it but I’m not reading anything right now, I am at the zenith of my work life; I have multiple jobs and proverbial balls in the air right now, so I have little time to curl up with a good book. BUT, I am an avid reader, and as soon as my show Swingin’ at Hamer Hall finishes, things will settle down and I will have time to deep dive into some serious literature.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m listening to a lot of live records right now: Eric Clapton MTV Unplugged, Parliament Live in Houston and Prince and The Revolution, PJ Morton Gumbo Unplugged and any NPR Tiny Desk Concerts.
Happiness is?
Spending any quality time with my little family.
What does the future hold for you?
A balance between being an artist and a family. I really enjoy connecting with people through art so any way that I can express that will be my future.
Rohan presents Swingin’ – which will be presented at Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne on Monday 18 November, as part of the 2024 Morning Melodies program. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Rohan can also be seen as Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – which is currently playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Image: Rohan Browne (supplied)