Who is Zalia Joi?
I am a singer, song-writer, actress, creative entrepreneur. I played in blues and rock’n’roll bands whilst studying Theatre and Creative Writing at Curtin University. I then studied contemporary music at WAAPA and went onto train in Opera. I have written many shows which always have an element of magic and music in them. I run my own entertainment company – High Voltage Performers Boutique and focus on creating work for other artists.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I actually don’t think I would do anything differently! Apart from focus more on my dreams.
Who inspires you and why?
Self-discovery and removing the shackles of the past; I always feel free when I have done some deep transformational work and gained some knowledge about how the world works. Then the world is new and life itself inspires me!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would teach people how to use a dictionary so they could read and educate themselves. When people can read, they can make informed decisions. When people are illiterate, they just mark X on the bottom line. We need more literate people in the world and more people who pass school. I believe literacy it is the basis of society – that and music!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Peru! It is magical and so different from any other place I’ve been. The people there are warm and colourful and you learn how to live with not much.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Whispering Wall in Kings Park, Perth – when someone sits on the wall the other person stands in the centre – you can whisper and hear each other clearly. The architecture is phenomenal, and I always try to figure it out. The view is spectacular, and it is very Western Australian.
What are you currently reading?
Bad Girls & Wicked Woman by Jan Stradling. I think this is the inspiration for my next show.
What are you currently listening to?
Hamilton, Michael Jackson and David Bowie.
Happiness is?
Not having an alarm clock to wake up to; a clean house; good coffee; a belly laugh; cuddles with my bunnies; knowing I’ve helped someone in some way; having a goal and achieving it; hugs and romance!
What does the future hold for you?
I have this mantra that that I found when things were pretty rough – “My future is endlessly beautiful.” I would just say it over and over, sometimes all day and so I now believe the future will always be beautiful and hold opportunity, creations, working with incredible artists to inspire more and more people.
Zalia stars in Hell Hath No Fury – Musical Bitchin’ from the Basement of Hell, which will be presented at Perth’s His Majesty’s Theatre as part of the Downstairs at The Maj program from 29 – 31 July. For more information, visit: www.ptt.wa.gov.au for details.
Image: Zalia Joi (supplied)