Who is Stuart Maunder?
Stuart Maunder grew up on a farm in Boggabri, NSW. Always the black sheep, there was never a doubt that the stage was going to be his thing. He’s been directing musicals and opera for the last 44 years, here and in UK, with the occasional stint in France and the USA. He’s been Executive Producer of Opera Australia, General and Director of New Zealand Opera, Artistic Director of State Opera South Australia. Now he is incredibly proud to be Artistic Director of Victorian Opera.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I can’t imagine doing anything else – and after nearly 50 years of often hand-to-mouth existence of maddening, depressing, but ultimately exhilarating years, here I am still loving every gig I do, or company I work for. I’m not saving lives, but still trying to make a bit of a difference.
Who inspires you and why?
Every cast I work with, every brilliant mind in the creative team, every member of the company – we’re all charging toward the same thrilling goal. I soak up their energy, their passion, their relentless drive to nail it and hopefully make something extraordinary. Even my parents, who honestly had no clue what I actually did, were 100% behind me. They taught me the art of trust: give people enough rope, but always keep a chair handy in case they need a rescue. It’s teamwork, chaos, craft, and a bit of hope.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
In my own way, putting on the best shows I can is how I try to make a difference. The pieces I work on? They’re some of the greatest creations of mankind. My job is to dust them off, give them a fresh spin, and serve them up with truth, theatricality, and a whole lot of passion. After that, it’s up to the pieces to do their magic. I dare audiences not to be moved, awestruck, and reminded of something far bigger than all of us.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m not a good holidayer. My favourite thing is getting to a new city to work and to experience the vibe of the town over the rehearsal period, but there’s always London.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Flinders Lane, Melbourne is home… restaurants for days. I’m pretty proud to take people to Rosa’s Canteen, Gimlet, Cumulus Inc, Tonka, Meatballs, Shandong Mama Mini. When not eating, there’s the NGV and the Block Arcade and the laneways and the theatres… Great town.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished Restless Dolly Maunder, Kate Granville’s heartfelt tribute to her grandmother – my grand aunt. Auntie Dolly was a legend in our family, and this moving book captures the struggles of being a woman in the late 19th century: limited opportunities, rural hardships, the Depression, and a refusal to settle for what others accepted.
And she was never a victim. It’s a celebration of our past, and a recognition of how attitudes have changed. Thank heavens.
What are you currently listening to?
Thank heavens for Spotify. Orville Peck…lots of Country, lots of showtunes, lots of 70’s (who doesn’t love Cat Stevens?) and whatever I’m working on on repeat… currently Sondheim’s Follies. What a score?!
Happiness is?
I’m happiest when I’m working… as Noel Coward said: ‘Work is much more fun than fun.’ Pure and simple.
What does the future hold for you.
More of the same I’m delighted to say. More work with a great company, in a great city, with great repertoire. Next up is Follies, on the bucket list since 1978. My bucket list is long.
Stuart is the Director of Victorian Opera’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s FOLLIES – which will be presented at St Kilda’s Palais Theatre from 1 – 6 February 2025. For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au for details.
Image: Stuart Maunder AM – photo by Charlie Kinross