Who is Sarah Enright?
I began my adult life as a professional actor. Following that I was a director, then a performance artist and after doing crazy stuff around the world I studied painting. I’m currently performing in the beautifully written Broken by Mary Ann Butler for Darlinghurst Theatre Co. Working with my talented colleague and friend, director Shannon Murphy and the wonderful team assembled.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d probably like to be involved in health care in some capacity; direct, practical involvement in the betterment of people’s lives.
Who inspires you and why?
People who are able to see a situation from another person’s perspective and are able to appreciate multiple views simultaneously. People who are interested in finding solutions rather than shouting from a place of bruised ego. Those with compassion and empathy. Especially those who possess graciousness and patience!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I wish I could cast a worldwide spell that enabled people to truly listen to others and do so without fear. I wish we could temper greed and that people were more interested in evidence-based opinion. In Australia: we need to listen to the indigenous custodians of this land and learn from them – do whatever is necessary to acknowledge past atrocities, prevent their continuation and stop being f#*@ing racist.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I don’t know that I’ve ever taken a holiday, but I love India wholeheartedly. The most magnificent and appalling realities occur all at once. It’s a vibrant ancient cultural kaleidoscope dancing with immediacy and inexhaustible energy. It’s truly extraordinary.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I really love Cockatoo Island in Sydney; it’s littered with relics of a bygone industrial era. The Biennale of Sydney is held there and I always find the works have a tough time not being overshadowed by the decaying beauty of the place.
What are you currently reading?
I am revisiting The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D. It’s a collection of case studies regarding the ‘plasticity’ of human brains and how when we understand the brain as not a fixed mechanism we are able to heal and develop it beyond what was previously thought possible. Overall I think it supports the idea that we can actually change.
What are you currently listening to?
A mix tape I made for the character I play in Broken. There’s some Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, NIN, Mazzy Star, Nick Cave, HTRK, Depeche Mode, etc.
Happiness is?
When the things you do have meaning or purpose. Change. The beauty of the natural world. Clear communication.
What does the future hold for you?
I will be travelling to Austria for a residency awarded to me for work presented in my graduate show at the National Art School. I also plan to take up my deferred Honours studies in fine art next year – unfortunately though not in NSW as the situation regarding arts education in this state is becoming unstable without the very real support it needs. The current government appears to be doing very little to help.
Broken will receive its Sydney premiere by Darlinghurst Theatre Company at the Eternity Playhouse: 3 – 28 August 2016. For more information, visit: www.darlinghursttheatre.com for details.
Image: Sarah Enright – courtesy of Darlinghurst Theatre Company