Who is Yvonne Virsik?
A freelance theatre director and the Artistic Director of MUST (Monash Uni Student Theatre), feminist and general goof about town who always orders extra aioli.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Live overseas in a completely different way for a few years. Study visual art or music.
Who inspires you and why?
Great writers who tell stories that move us and ignite ideas that can shape our world. Right now I am in awe of the strength and grace of female political figures worldwide in the face of disgraceful bullying.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Make education accessible for all and tailored for individuals.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
For a rest: Tasmania. For fun and fascination: Barcelona – gorgeous Gaudi, amazing food and people.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The William Ricketts sanctuary in the Dandenongs – just beautiful, Malthouse Theatre or La Mama if there’s something great on and Melbourne bars and restaurants – our food and arts offerings are just fantastic.
What are you currently reading?
A collection of short stories by Margaret Atwood and I’m working my way through the pile of new scripts next to my bed.
What are you currently listening to?
Client Liaison. Simone French in What’s Yours is Mine got me started.
Happiness is?
A sleepy puppy, fresh mountain air, laughter with friends & family and actually making a difference.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully soon, a mountain holiday. I’m directing a remount of Tom Halls’ Sad Digger, Mad Mary for La Mama in Midsumma, Sarah Collins’ Bucket’s List looks like it will pop up again interstate and I’m adapting a novella that I really love for the stage.
Yvonne Virsik‘s directing credits include Bucket’s List by Sarah Collins, NZ Tour Award Melbourne Fringe; Darragh Martin’s An Air Balloon Across Antarctica and Adam Cass’ I Love You, Bro, which enjoyed a successful season at the Malthouse and a UK tour. In 2014 she was part of the inaugural Women Directors’ Program at MTC.
Yvonne is also the Artistic Director of Monash Uni Student Theatre (MUST), where she adapted and directed Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaids’ Tale and pieces such as Spring Awakening, Declan Greene’s Bog and Laugh Out Loud and Eugene O’Neill’s Mourning Becomes Electra and has mentored hundreds of brilliant young theatre makers. She is a graduate of Directing at the VCA.
Yvonne will be directing the world premiere of Hotel Now’s What’s Yours Is Mine at The Butterfly Club as part of the 2016 Poppy Seed Theatre Festival from 22 November. For more information, visit: www.poppyseed.net.au for details.
Image: Yvonne Virsik