Amy Conroy, Playwright, World Theatre Festival
Do it. Whatever 'it' is ...
Irish playwright and performer Amy Conroy delves into the realities facing gay couples in Ireland in her documentary-style drama I (Heart) Alice (Heart) I. Having toured for three years, I (Heart) Alice (Heart) I will premiere in Australia at World Theatre Festival at Brisbane Powerhouse from next Wednesday February 20. The show revolves around the discreet and intense love story of an older lesbian couple in Ireland, where homesexuality was only decriminalised in 1993. The pair is spotted kissing in a quiet supermarket aisle by a writer who asks them to share their story. Amy has written and performs this personal, touching journey that provokes and delights in equal measure. The Weekend Edition took five with Amy to chat perfect weekends.
Image by Niamh Burke-Kennedy.
How do you like to start your weekend?
Adhering to stereotype I’m afraid … having a pint with good friends and talking and laughing our heads off.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
If I can sleep in for an hour or two it’s divine; however, this rarely happens anymore, so ‘slowly’ is probably the right answer.
How do you like to unwind?
Listening to music and going to the cinema … I still get butterflies walking into the cinema.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Friends!
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Well, I’ve been swearing that I will learn to surf some weekend, so Australia is the perfect place for that (I hope).
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
That’s usually when I head to the cinema. It’s the perfect way to ease your way back in to the week.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
This weekend I’ll be winging my way to Perth to perform my solo show Eternal Rising of the Sun in the Perth Fringe Festival.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading the new Barbara Kingsolver novel, Flight Behaviour. I loved The Poisonwood Bible so I have high hopes for this one.
What inspires you?
Normally it’s a song or a piece of music that inspires in the beginning, whether the nugget of a new play or a piece of writing.
What was your childhood dream?
I wanted to be an actor … or a rapper. One out of two is not bad!
What has been your greatest achievement?
Travelling with and performing my own work.
What is success to you?
See above. Also having family and good friends around me.
What are your words of wisdom?
Do it. Whatever ‘it’ is.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Stage Door Cafe in Temple Bar in Dublin.
Relax … taking a big long walk by the sea.
Dine … brunch at Odessa is always good.
Indulge … The Garage Bar.
Shop … I’m not much of a shopper to be honest.
Catch-up … Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar.
Be inspired … Everywhere.
