Who is Sage Bachtler Cushman?
Sage Bachtler Cushman is a student of life, a mother, and a woman who feels most alive while creating.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Travel more.
Who inspires you and why?
There are really too many to name… off the top of my head: Keanu Reeves – I’m inspired by both his talent, as well as his humble and human nature; Rachel Handlin for her creations, and for breaking through a world that often holds onto preconceived notions; Tom Robbins for Jitterbug Perfume; Kurt Vonnegut for Slaughterhouse 5, and how he carried himself through the world.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I will continue to create, teach, and advocate for people finding their artistic voice. I will also advocate for the amazing people of the Trisomy world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love finding a good river beach… I don’t have a specific one, but somewhere with a nice cool breeze, shade, and a quiet surrounding (accompanied with a good book) sounds perfect to me.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When friends come to visit me in Portugal, I take them to Piodao (a schist village with a river beach), Fraga da Pena (a waterfall not far from my house), as well as many of the amazing and ancient buildings and castles throughout Portugal.
What are you currently reading?
I just started Pure Colour by Sheila Heti (a gift from my best friend).
What are you currently listening to?
The soundtrack we are building for our show, Proteus.
Happiness is?
My son’s smiles, taking time to create and draw, witnessing students grow into their artistic voice, family, and river beaches.
What does the future hold for you?
Immediately, it is getting into the thick of the NICA third-year ensemble, Proteus – what a wild and wonderful adventure it has been so far! I can’t wait to see these emerging artists take to the stage with our development.
Sage Bachtler Cushman co-directs, with Hugo Oliveira, NICA’s third year ensemble in Proteus – which will be presented at the National Institute of Circus Arts, Prahran, from 17 – 28 June 2025. For more information, visit: www.nica.com.au for details.
Image: Sage Bachtler Cushman (supplied)