Who is Ryan Stewart?
I’m the Naarm-based performer, producer, and anxious mess behind the clown that is Goody Prostate.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I can’t really imagine a world where I wasn’t on stage, trying to get people to look at me; but honestly? A librarian. Being surrounded by knowledge, the smell of books, and peace and quiet all day? Yes please!
Who inspires you and why?
The often nameless, unassuming people who are consistently using themselves to force positive change on the world. The activists, protestors, campaigners, and picketers who haven’t let the weight of the world slow down their desire to make it a better place. I don’t know how people can continue to find a way to fight for goodness when so often everything feels helpless; but somehow, these people manage to do so, and they’re very inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would try to be more like the people who I described above. Someone less inhibited by material concerns, who wasn’t afraid to be a little bit louder about the things that matter. But for now, I’ll keep trying to enact my version of difference in the world through art and performing.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Mountains. Honestly, just mountains in general. Two particular mountainous highlights though would have to be a recent climb I did to the summit of Mt Kinabalu in Borneo, and a trip a few years ago to the Scottish Highlands. Both were just absolutely gorgeous.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Whenever I go to a new city, my first task is to always try and find the best view of the city. When showing someone new around Naarm, I like to give them the same treatment – so I’ll take them to my two favourite spots.
The first is a little patch of lawn secreted behind the iconic Hamer Hall, which has a sweeping view of the city facing north. Continue a little further up the Yarra to Studley Park and you’ll find the second spot, a little park bench tucked away on a hill that has a beautiful view of the city skyline overlooking Abbotsford and Fitzroy. Sitting at either of those spots, just as day turns into dusk? Perfect.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently in between two books, the novel The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki, and the quasi-manifesto, Abolish the Family by Sophie Lewis. In case my director is reading this, I’m also obviously constantly reading the script to my upcoming show, KINDER.
What are you currently listening to?
Well, I have three lip-syncs I need to work on for KINDER so they’re currently sitting at the top of my Spotify On Repeat playlist. What songs are they? You’ll have to buy a ticket to find out!
Apart from that though, it’s a constant shuffled stream of Chappell Roan, Raye and a little bit of Tchaikovsky when I’m feeling fancy.
Happiness is?
Watching an artist do something I know I would never be able to do myself. The genuine laughter of a friend reacting to a silly, unexpected joke. Seeing ’90 minutes no interval’ as a show’s listed running time. Sitting on my roof at sunset. An ice cold Negroni.
What does the future hold for you?
More travel, more creating, and a bit more uprooting of myself. It’s been a little while since something came around and shook things up for the better, and I feel like I may be on the precipice of that. We shall see though.
Ryan stars as Goody Prostate in KINDER – which will be presented as part of the 2024 Melbourne Fringe at the Festival Hub: Trades Hall (Carlton) from 2 – 6 October, before playing at Upstairs @ Floridia (Flemington) on 13 & 20 October. For more information, visit: www.melbournefrimnge.com.au for details.
Image: Ryan Stewart (supplied)