Wired for Wonder: Andrew Upton – Disobedience
6 Sep 2013 by warrencammack, No Comments »
Andrew’s reputation preceded him as he strolled on stage. Both as artistic director of Sydney Theatre Company and the husband of Cate Blanchett. He made a joke of the latter and referred to himself as “the hand” meaning that when photos of Cate were taken he was cropped out and typically it was only his hand that was left in the image. This set the tone for talk as one of casual self-deprecating humour and it felt liberating to hear a sensitive side of someone so public.
Andrew stated that from the age of 11 disobedience became a core principle of his life. He would listen to punk records at home albeit in the safety of his bedroom and with tempered volume based on his father’s advice(!). Self reflecting he raised the question of how as a 40 something man do you balance the desire for disobedience with the other needs in life? Referring to his son’s friend’s use of the f word he asked “what the f@ck?” Having clearly postulated the quandary of ironic frustration.
Further delving into the father son relationship he talked about the request of his child to watch Pacific Rim and the subsequent argument. To cut a long story short he argued with his son about how watching such a film was a waste of time but they ended up seeing it and Andrew was taken aback by one particular scene which brought to life his philosophy of embracing disobedience.
He talked about separating the sheep from the goats and the religious belief that goats represent the devil and that the sheep is obedient in following the good shepherd.
This is all well and good but sheep are shorn and eaten.
I’m not entirely sure what most people should take away from Andrews talk but I write this listening to rage against the machine and with a strong desire to eat lamb curry.
