Suzanne has been actively involved in theatre since high school, studying Speech and Drama to Year 12 level and performing in school productions. After she left school she was an active member of Gold Coast Little Theatre. She then widened her skill base by working for TN! Theatre as wardrobe mistress for a couple of shows and acting in documentaries and commercials. About this time she discovered the challenges and joys of directing and teaching drama, firstly with Ipswich Little Theatre and then with her own drama school for teenagers – Crossfyre Youth Theatre. She was delighted to win many trophies and awards for directing, in the annual South East Queensland One Act Play Festival. In 2017 she established Crossfyre Players, an informal drama group aiming at presenting interesting theatre by adults and teenagers in non traditional venues and has produced a play each year, focussing on Absurdist style theatre.
Suzanne Matulich. Image: supplied by artist.
1. Describe what you do in 100 words?
My passion is directing, I love working with a wide range of actors, some with little or no experience up to those who have worked in professional theatre. To be able to create a cohesive troupe, with high energy levels, to entertain and challenge audiences brings great satisfaction. To be able to pass on that enthusiasm to other actors is very rewarding.
2. What’s your first memory of engaging with the arts?
Being cast in a play at high school. An amazing challenge to someone who, up till then, had been excruciatingly shy and insular. It was a turning point in my life.
3. How would you best describe your artistic practice?
I love the idea of creating plays that reach out to wide audiences, in particular people who may have never been to theatre before. That means that, while the programs must be easily accessible to non traditional audiences, the level of production and the plays performed must be of a high quality with no dumbing down and no patronising.
4. Can you describe your ideal collaborator?
I have worked with a few close colleagues for years, they know me and my style of production and have great creative input into the final product.
Michelle Mancy in The Cagebirds by David Campton. Image: Mel Sinclair.
5. How do you manage work-life balance as an artist?
Easily, they are the same thing – my work in the performing and visual arts is my life, so the balance is perfect.
6. How do you seek to improve and develop your practice?
By reading plays and articles on theatre and attending a wide range of theatrical productions from local community theatre to Queensland Theatre.
7. What time of day do you find yourself most creative and why?
2am – when I have had enough sleep to be rested and the peace to be able to focus on whatever project is in the front of my mind.
8. Do you think art is important to society and why?
Art in all its forms, performing, visual or literary, define a society. Art keeps the brain stimulated and creative and gives people the opportunity to work through challenges and tribulations of the everyday world.
Samantha Warburton in This Is Absurd presented by Crossfyre Players. Image: Mel Sinclair.
9. What is something you have created or a process you have been a part of that you are most proud of?
The current Crossfyre Players production of This is Absurd. It is the first time I have included works that I have written myself.
10. What are you working on right now, if anything?
I am halfway through a season of This is Absurd – four short plays in the Absurdist style:
This is Absurd! is an innovative and thought-provoking production from Crossfyre Players. Four short plays, in the absurdist style, delve into the complexity of relationships and modern life. Eight actors take on a challenging variety of roles which will make you laugh, make you think and ultimately will entertain you. One of the plays, Impromptu, by Tad Mosel, is performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International Australasia Pty Ltd, on behalf of Dramatists Play Service, Inc. The other three plays have been devised by Director Suzanne Matulich.
If you are or know of an artist that might like to feature in our Spotlight: 10 Questions series please send us an email to hello@thatproductioncompany.com.au.
THAT Production Company respectfully acknowledges the Original Custodians of the Land on which we live and create. We acknowledge all First Nations people and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Always was. Always will be.