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Absolutely Revolting
Interview

Backstage with Robyn Archer

by Australian Book Review •
June 2023, no. 454
Robyn Archer (Claudio Raschella)

Robyn Archer is a singer, performer, writer, artistic director, and public advocate of the arts. She was appointed an ABR Laureate in 2016. She has been performing professionally for more than sixty years, throughout Australia and the world, and is known internationally for her expertise in the Weimar repertoire and her artistic direction of major arts festivals.

What was the first performance that made a deep impression on you?

Possibly a 1950s Nutcracker Ballet at Theatre Royal, Hindley Street, Adelaide. Dad took me there as a surprise – first time in the theatre. But as a twenty-something, Lindsay Kemp’s Flowers at the Valhalla in Glebe, Sydney.

When did you realise that you wanted to be an artist yourself?

Nil realisation. It just happened – I never had a chance. Dad was a singer, stand-up comic, and MC. I unconsciously apprenticed myself to him from the age of

 


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Comments

Jenny Carver
Tuesday, 20 June 2023 19:18
We saw you, Robyn, in Adelaide last Saturday. It was a fantastic experience and I loved every minute. I felt I was in the past, the present and the future. I haven't laughed so much in a long time. If I could go again, I would. Perhaps the best part for me was feeling as though I was back in the 1970s with like-minded spirits. Thank you and Happy birthday. Jenny Carver

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