Barnaby Chiverton: Playwright

  

Barnaby Chiverton is the writer of Distant Bodies, set to be performed at the Northcote Town Hall this April. He took the time to answer our ArtsHub Career Profile questions.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I loved biology at school and wanted David Attenborough’s job but was fearful that I’d end up counting seagulls on some remote island so I didn’t pursue it.

When did you know you would be creative?
Always. I only realized how important it was when I took on an uncreative job. But gee it was nice being rich for the three months I could bear it!

How would you describe your job to a complete stranger?
I’m an architect who loves architecture and focuses on houses and housing. I make theatre that explores how we get by.

What's your background - are there degrees that prepare you for this?
I studied architecture. I think it is a great education for creativity generally because it focuses on getting a good end result.

What's the first thing career related you usually do each day?
Worry.

Can you describe an "average" working day for you?
In the office at 9am, computer, leave at 6pm. I need the non average days to make up for it.

What's the one thing - piece of equipment, toy, security blanket – that you can't create without?
Quiet.

What gets you fired up?
When I’m on a creative roll; when one idea informs another and something good gets generated.

Who in the industry most inspires you?
Architecturally Le Corbusier. Theatrically Walt Whitman in conflict.

What in the industry do you despair about?
Architecturally the Melbourne plague of facadism. Theatrically - TV

What is the best thing about your job?
Seeing ideas being realized.

What’s the worst?
Reliance on computers.

What are the top three skills you need in this game?
Vision, determination and optimism.

What advice would you give a young creative professional looking to break into the field?
Have a clear idea of where you want to be and how to get there.

When do you know you’ve made it?
When status anxiety has fallen by the wayside and you enter a beatific state, apparently.

Distant Bodies will be playing at the Northcote Town Hall from 22nd April – 9th May. For bookings call 03 9481 9500.