NIDA BOX SEAT | JULY 2008 
STAGE RIGHT

Introducing Mark Gaal, Artistic Associate NIDA Open Program, who earlier this year directed Open Program's first professional production NIDA Devised.  An original work for High School students it both embodied and demonstrated the creative process of devising theatre, and returns next year.

Most memorable NIDA experience?
Along with 4 acting graduates, representing NIDA last year at the UNESCO/ITI conference, held in Romania, and performing there and at the International Theatre Festival in Busteni. Our shows: versions of The Oresteia (Aeschylus) and Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare), received standing ovations. We participated in forums and workshops with other international delegates.

If your life were a theatre act what would it be called? 
“Act I” – we’re always beginning.

What’s the drama in your life? 
I’m busy with Open Program’s part-time and interstate courses, and productions. There’s a lot of interest in accessing NIDA’s expertise.

Favourite spot for pre-theatre dinner? 
Food and theatre don’t mix.

Most treasured theatrical moment? 
I’ve been lucky enough to see some terrific productions, here in Australia, and overseas. As a director it’s sometimes hard to watch shows, you often have to work through the that’s-not-how-I-would-have-done-it syndrome. Productions have the power to open windows – that’s what I look for in shows put together by others, and that’s what I try to do each time I direct a production myself.

Ever been upstaged? 
I work at a drama school!!!

Advice for all budding thespians? 
If you haven’t had training, get some, whatever way you can. Then practise, however you can.