Who is Shardae Santos?
I am an actor and creative from Kaurna Land, Adelaide. And a sucker for a Portuguese Tart.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I think in another life I would have been a Nurse. I find people who are constantly reminded of their own mortality really intriguing and I think they are the closest thing to a superhero. That and I just want to wear fun scrubs…
Who inspires you and why?
My Gran. She had the most wicked sense of humour and was one of the hardest workers I’ve met. I have a tattoo on my arm that says ‘Rhubarb’ because when I was a kid she used to tell me about how extras on stage used that word to make them look like they were talking.
Whenever I’m nervous or about to go on stage I whisper ‘Rhubarb’ three times to remember her and remind myself that sometimes the thoughts in my head are just background noise.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Gosh, so many things… Where to begin! I think what I’m trying to do right now, which is telling stories. That’s always made a huge difference in my life and being able to potentially transform an audience member or encourage them to think more broadly about the world is something deeply valuable and something I can hope to do forever.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Sydney is one of my favourite places. Taking the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay on a hot day whilst looking at the harbour honestly takes my breath away every time. Whenever I’m there I feel a huge sense of elation, like anything is possible.
That and Ireland. My dad is Irish so getting to go there when I was four felt like something really magical. When I reflect on my time there it feels like a fairy tale.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Hopefully they come during Festival Season, that’s when Adelaide is really alive. I’d book a dinner at Daughter in Law or Fuggazzi, see as many shows as possible, drink a spicy marg, see some drag and dance the night away.
What are you currently reading?
I started re-reading Just Kids by Patti Smith the other day. It was my favourite book as a teenager and it reminded me just how poetic one’s life can be, even within the mundane. It’s a very nostalgic novel for me. I think its also cool rereading something I loved at 16 and how I relate to its content now as someone in my 20’s.
What are you currently listening to?
Other than my lines, I’ve been listening to a lot of Massive Attack and Madonna’s new album. My all time favourite album though is Grace by Jeff Buckley.
Happiness is?
A properly poured Guinness.
What does the future hold for you?
More friends, more laughter, more learning. I hope to travel a lot more and continue to work on projects that make me feel sparkly inside.
Shardae can be seen in State Theatre Company South Australia’s production of Commentary by Ash Flanders – which plays at the Dunstan Playhouse – Adelaide Festival Centre from 21 August – 5 September 2026.
Image: Shardae Santos (supplied)