A conversation in which your blogger makes a fool of herself

After dropping off the arts scene radar for an entire year, I made it to Playlab's annual general meeting last Friday night (April 28, 2006). I was asked to come to help the AGM meet quorum.

Having only moved back to Brisbane a little over a year ago, I knew very few people in the room. That didn't bother me in the slightest. I had no agenda for being there, other than adding myself to the body count.

When the meeting ended, I introduced myself to a quiet gentleman sitting nearby, in the corner. He said his name was Errol and mentioned that he was writing a play. For the next 30 minutes or so, we proceeded to talk about globalisation, homogenisation, Australia's cultural identity, worldwide poverty, the history of Brisbane, telecommunications and access, the media, the state of the arts, the national film and television industry, the theatre, making a living as an artist... I have to admit I have some pretty strong opinions, and I wasn't afraid of voicing them...

"By the way," I asked, "What's your last name?"
"O'Neill," he answered.

Words cannot describe how I felt.

"Oh," was all I could say. "... Um, what was the last play you had produced?"
"A little play that ran two years ago - The Mayne Inheritance."

At that point, I felt like crawling under the table.

I had just spent the past half hour obnoxiously expounding my opinions to one of Queensland's Theatre Giants, whose work I truly respect. Perhaps it was fortunate that I didn't know who he was when I began to talking to him, or else I just wouldn't have known what to say.

To my horror, a starstruck feeling began to take hold of me. So I just kept waffling. The conversation ended with an awkward goodbye not long after.

There was a considerable supply of alcohol at the event. I just hope he wasn't aware that I was actually sober when I was talking to him.

Miscellaneous definitions

Post exam slump - the irrational panic experienced by an individual immediately after the completion of their exams. Believed to be caused by the shock of suddenly actually having time on one's hands, after weeks of textbook submersion, sleep-deprivation, caffeine overdoses and other forms of torture. Symptoms of PES include pacing, disorientation, anti-social behaviour and the masochistic (though usually subconscious) desire to have to prepare for just one more exam.

Pseudo relationship - a domestic arrangement with a housemate of the opposite gender involving rosters for such things as - whose turn it is to cook dinner, go on a laundromat run or rent the DVDS for the quiet Friday night at home. Akin to a de facto relationship but with none of the sex, as well as an increasing sense of awkwardness on the part of both parties.

Right brain, left brain split misfit

I study drama. I also do law subjects. Subsequently, when my drama peers ask me what my elective area is, I take a breath before telling them. No matter what they say, the sub-text of their words speak volumes - Freak. They can't imagine what I'd find so fascinating about something as apparently dry as statutory interpretation and Commonwealth legislation

Funnily enough, I get the same reception when I'm speaking to some of my peers in my law subjects. Freak! By the look in their eye, I might as well be wearing cheesecloth and singing Mama Cass songs as I sit around a campfire with my other supposed artistic oddball friends.

The thing is, I love performing. I also love academia, although I don't consider myself very dramatic or very academic! However, I do feel fortunate to be able to reside in both worlds, and yet not be forced to choose. I love listening to a lecture on jurisprudence before running off to a two physical theatre workshop. I like the mental stimulation of law, and the creative side of performance. They balance each other out, and sharpen my appreciation for both.