On the Couch with Tom Conroy

Tom Conroy Arts Review On the CouchWho is Tom Conroy?
In a cupboard somewhere, there is a home video of me at the age of 5 doing an improvised dance to a Crowded House song that is playing on the radio. It involved a lot of crouching down and looking wistfully at the ground. I’m probably still that serious, dreamy kid.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
If I was a better person? Go on Facebook less, stop reading the comment sections, and, I dunno, get some industrious egg laying hens and start a Kombucha home-brewery. I would also be infinitely more smug and annoying.

Who inspires you and why?
My nephew starts school next year, and just revealed that he can read. I think he taught himself? Some credit should go to his two amazing Mums, who read to him every day. Their dedication to their children is a quiet reminder about the dignity that rainbow families deserve. I’m super proud of them.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
On my good days I believe that working in the arts is one of the simplest and most profound ways to make a difference in the world. In some alternative magical universe, I’d be some hot-shot international policy maker and find a miraculous solution to our global refugee crisis.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
The Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily in the height of summer. Diving off the back of boats into deep blue water without a fear of sharks lurking below; washing down fistfuls of pistachio nuts with cheap white wine out of plastic cups.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
To Bondi. It really is one of Sydney’s best beaches. Or out of town to the NSW Central Coast to drop in at Mum and Dad’s on the way down to the beach.

What are you currently reading?
David Sedaris’s diaries Theft by Finding, and re-reading Cory Taylor’s Dying: a Memoir. Everybody should read her funny, moving, unsentimental final work.

What are you currently listening to?
Bob Dylan’s Girl from the North Country.

Happiness is?
Hearing that the Yes vote came through with a ripping majority, and that homophobia no longer exists? Yes, please. Until then, going to bed and getting excited about my first cup of coffee tomorrow morning.

What does the future hold for you?
Probably buying property in the bush somewhere because “we really want a tree change”, but actually because I’ll never afford to buy anything in Sydney.

Tom is currently starring in Eamon Flack’s production of Ghosts at the Belvoir Street Theatre until 22 October 2017. For more information, visit: www.belvoir.com.au for details.

Image: Tom Conroy (supplied)