Peter Wood is a proud Queer, Indonesian-Australian actor and performance-maker. Peter recently directed Bianca Zouppas in her one-woman show, KATRINA THE REAL WOG WIFE OF BRISBANE and recently played Kurt in SUNNY TRIBE DISTRICT which he co-devised with Patty Mu’A and the Robert the Cat ensemble. Notable credits include, MAMMA MIA!, AND SHE WOULD STAND LIKE THIS, TICK TICK BOOM, and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. Peter choreographed TICK, TICK, BOOM! with THAT Production Company, which was nominated for Best Musical at the Matilda Awards in 2022. When they aren’t a Captain Starlight at the Queensland Children's Hospital, they can be found writing one of their many plays. From their work on screen to theatre, Peter aims to portray authentic queer and Asian-Australian characters in hopes to give voices to those like him.
Peter Wood. Image: Zac Bolton.
1. Describe what you do in 100 words?
I am a Theatre-maker. Whether that's acting, writing, directing or any other art form - I love to share stories! I have been lucky enough to test my storytelling muscles in all these artistic mediums.
2. What’s your first memory of engaging with the arts?
It all goes back to my parents, along with all my Indonesian aunties singing karaoke in my living room. Those memories of everybody singing, laughing and enjoying each other's company made me realise how the arts can really unite everybody in the room - whether that's singing, live music, performing in general. My go-to karaoke songs were Dancing Queen by ABBA and Torn by Natalie Imbruglia!
3. How has your practice changed over time?
After freshly graduating university, I definitely was more of a sponge and wanted to soak up different ways of theatre-making. My focus back then was to engage with as many artists as possible and be used within people's visions to help tell their stories. Now, I see my practice shifting to the practice of creating my own stories and helping others create their stories.
4. Can you describe your ideal working environment?
I'm going to rephrase the question into: Describe your ideal rehearsal?
10am Start. Iced, oat latte with caramel syrup in hand. Aircon rehearsal room. Large speakers. Mirrors. (for dancing). Check in with the cast and creatives. Warm up. Rehearsal begins. Break for sushi. Return to rehearsals. Wrap up by 4pm. What a dream...
Mamma Mia! presented by The Show Co. Image: Supplied by The Show Co.
5. Do you have a bucket list project / role or collaboration and can you tell us what it is?
I would love to work on a play about Indonesian culture or folklore. People who I look up to are Katrina Graham and Shari Irwin. As a local Brisbane Indonesian boy, if I were to work with them on a project - it would mean so much more than just artistically but also culturally to be able to share Indonesian culture with other Brisbane-based Indonesian artists.
6. Can you describe your ideal collaborator?
Somebody who is willing to listen to my ideas, whether they're good or bad. A Collaborator who tells you their honest thoughts and ways of thinking. I find I work best when I can really delve into what's going through our brains and picking all the ideas apart.
7. What is something you have created or a process you have been a part of that you are most proud of?
My first ever Fringe show that started at Short+Sweet Festival 2016 - Boys Taste Better With Nutella. We took that show to over 4 Fringe festivals and managed to get a couple of awards. I created this show with the amazing Caitlin Hill! I am recently super proud of a show that I helped co-devise and performed in - Sunny Tribe District with writer/director Patty Mu'A and the Robert the Cat ensemble. We were overwhelmed by the audience reaction and we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome!
8. Who is an artist that inspires you and why?
I don't think only one specific artist inspires me. But I am inspired by Drag performers, any underdog figure, or any 'David vs Goliath' story. Any Artist who creates art out of adversity or against the odds is an inspiration.
And She Would Stand Like This presented by Antipodes Theatre Company. Image: Angel Leggas
9. Does your artistic practice help you in other areas of your life, and how so?
I love to use humour in my practice but also in my everyday life. I would say that my love to make people laugh, feel warm and happy, definitely influences my everyday life. If you can make the most mundane parts of our days, the most memorable - why not?
10. What are you working on right now, if anything?
Other than writing multiple plays at a turtle's pace - I'm currently working on a show I directed last year called Katrina the Real Wog Wife of Brisbane. Created by the wonderful Bianca Zouppas, we will be going into a short rehearsal period to fine-tune some moments in the show before her next performance. Stay tuned for Katrina's comeback!
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.
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