NIDA BOX SEAT | MAR 2008 
STAGE RIGHT

Introducing Adam Cook: NIDA graduate (Directing) and Artistic Director of the State Theatre Company of South Australia. Adam is visiting NIDA to direct Love for Love with the NIDA third year students and he took time out to answer a few questions for Box Seat. 

What has been most memorable about your first few weeks back at NIDA?
Directing plays at NIDA has always afforded me one of the greatest pleasures of my professional career. To come home, in effect, to such a crucible of passionate creativity gave me such a rush of happy adrenalin. 

If your life were a theatre act what would it be called?
Wallflower at the Orgy.  

What’s the drama in your life?
My ridiculous over-spending on books. Beyond that, I lead a drama-free life. Touch wood!

Why did you want to come to NIDA?
I’d finished my BA in English Literature and didn’t feel I’d gained any marketable, professional qualifications. Whilst writing my Masters thesis on the novels of Patrick White, I decided I’d rechannel my energies into theatre, my first love, and get away from academia. I applied for both the Acting and Directing Courses. I got into the right one!

Most treasured theatrical moment?
The standing ovation received by Caroline O’Connor on the opening night of my production of PIAF by Pam Gems, for the Melbourne Theatre Company, in which she played the title role. The entire auditorium lept to its feet. 

What prompts you to direct?
I want to create parallel worlds, alternate realities, with their own rules, their own theatrical logic. And to be master of that universe!

Ever been upstaged?
Rarely. I know how to get attention.

Advice for all budding thespians?
Learn to make a good cappuccino.