Week 2 of 2024 is off to a banging start. I spent a week in Geelong working out of the beautifully renovated spaces of the Arts Centre. Michael Carmody had this idea that we should adapt this book from the 30s (which originated the concept of “Shangri-La”) into a stage production and asked for me to jump onboard. In the end, I decided that working extensively with text that is steeped in colonialism and Orientalism from the conception is not how I want to be spending my 2024, and if and when the work evolves to a point where it can unshackle the problematic trappings, I might then have a look at the project, but for the time being, we had a great week really pulling it apart and for me to articulate why it’s harmful to be holding onto what might be a beloved classic. Onwards and upwards!
How Do I Let You Die?
Oh boy. What a massive journey and now we’ve come to an end. I got some lovely write-ups, and most of all, I have learned that I CAN do this. What a huge gift this show has been. All my thanks to Michele, to Reis, to Sepideh, Rachel, Elissa, Vanghoua, Celina, Ari, Rafe, Bureau of Works, Arts House. I know I’ve said this multiple times this year already but I can’t wait to sleep all the sleeps I’ve been missing.
How Do I Let You Die?
We’ve been rehearsing How Do I Let You Die? for a week now and I’ve got to tell you, rehearsing a solo show is LONELY business. I love every member of the artistic team, but boy do I miss having another actor to bounce from. This is such a special and personal project for Michele Lee, this is not one to miss
What's Yours reading
Before rehearsals start on Monday, and just to make sure I don’t get a single day off, I squeezed in a reading in Tathra, NSW. I know, boo me, I get to travel for work so much!
This one was unmissable though, it’s written by my dearest and the most darling Keziah Warner, with my beloved John Marc Desengano, the brilliant Emily Goddard, and we’re hanging out with Ella Caldwell and being paid by Red Stitch. Genuinely don’t know how I get to be so lucky all the time. We had such a great time (the trip there and back in the tiny plane notwithstanding) and I would do a sleepaway camp with these guys ANY DAY, no matter how busy I am. Love them all.
How Do I Let You Die, The Film
Before we hit the rehearsals for How Do I Let You Die, we have to make the Hmong horror film element of the show. Here’s a little behind the scenes taste of Alice as Michele Lee. Michele Lee as Ghost Woman. Ari as the goddess of film. And Reis as the solver of every problem.
