Who is Stephen Noonan?
I am an actor, dancer, and producer who creates meticulously crafted performances for young audiences, ages 6 months to 4 years.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
The older I get, the more I realise ‘the relationship is the project’. It is the title of a great community and cultural development book. How you get on, share and co-construct with each other is so important, there is a legacy and benefit for all. I am definitely leaning more into this these days.
Who inspires you and why?
Internationally, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we all know why. And two Australian pioneering artistic colleagues. The first is theatre director Dave Brown, who has a deep understanding of nonverbal theatrical storytelling and artistic process that elicits true originality and imagination. The second is Sally Chance, a dance artist and scholar. Sally’s work is motivated by the power of collaborating with specific communities whose artistic perspectives open the door to new performance forms. Both these artists are incredibly generous and humble and have been my artistic mentors.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Generally, I think you have the biggest impact on those closest to you and your community. So, I will continue to ride my bike, buy less, and love more.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Malta. In 2023, I toured my solo performance, the Boy & the Ball, to Malta’s National Arts Festival for young audiences. A Mediterranean island state only 15 km wide between North Africa and southern Italy, it is the most beautiful location. It has amazing history, stunning sandstone buildings and high cliffs. Every street corner was worth a photo. I absolutely loved it.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Walks in nature around Adelaide. The combination of walking and talking in nature is so good on many levels. I would take friends to Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens (my wife and I got married there under the tall stringybark gumtrees, so it is extra special), Morialta Conservation Park, Hallett Cove Boardwalk, Waterfall Gully and Michael Perry Botanic Reserve.
What are you currently reading?
Tim Minchin’s You Don’t Have To Have A Dream – advice for the incrementally ambitious.
What are you currently listening to?
A soon-to-be-released (7 July 2025) podcast series, In the Process of Making by theatre director Dave Brown, it unpacks the creative process. Aimed at creative professionals and curious beings.
Happiness is?
I love sleep! So happiness is my head hitting the pillow every night next to my best friend and wife, Belinda.
What does the future hold for you?
Over the next year, I am creating a new performance for pre-schoolers that explores the delicate dance of holding on and letting go for child and parent as they experience natural anxiety around independence. I will also be doing a regional tour of South Australia of the Boy & the Ball. And then off to New York City in 2026 for more performances of the Boy & the Ball.
Stephen performs the Boy & the Ball at the Hetzel Lecture Theatre – State Library of South Australia as part of the DreamBIG Children’s Festival on 10 & 11 May 2025. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au for details.
Image: Stephen Noonan – photo by Andy Rasheed | EyeFood Photography