About The Show – Loving The Alien

Loving The Alien

Gather ’round, music lovers! Today, I’ve got the treat of introducing the team behind the upcoming show, Loving The Alien. Get ready to explore the myth and legend that is David Bowie. This show promises an unforgettable journey through Bowie’s glittering career. Now, without further ado, let’s chat with Mr Karlis Zaid and the team that is bringing the alien to life!

About Loving The Alien

What is this Production about?

Loving The Alien is a rock’n’roll odyssey to find the *real* David Bowie.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

My show is for Bowie fans, fans of rock ‘n’ roll, glam, basically fans of superb music.

We power through all the Bowie bangers of his glittering career, and by the end of the night we will also answer the question : who really was David Bowie…?

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

The audience will be thinking about doing a deep dive into the extraordinary songs and life of David Bowie. My show is expansive, but the universe of Bowie is without end….

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

Audiences will get a chance to peer behind the masks and myths of Bowie. You’re gonna find out some things…maybe good, maybe bad !

Who has the best costume?

My co-star Aurora Kurth will definitely be winning the Best Costume Award. I’ll be in a suit, giving Thin White Duke vibes, but she will definitely be full Glam Rock. Unless the band surprise us both!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Melbourne, you only have 5 chances to see the definitive Bowie show!

Starring award-winning performer & creator Karlis Zaid, chanteuse extraordinaire Aurora Kurth, with keyboards and piano forte by Andrew Patterson, and guitar wizardry by Aaron Syrjanen.

More than just his greatest hits, LOVING THE ALIEN will reveal *who* David Bowie really was….

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Loving The Alien, please visit https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2025/contemporary-music/loving-the-alien.

This is an unbelievable opportunity that you’ve provided for us to get a glimpse into the world of David Bowie! We can’t wait for Melbourne to experience the magic of “Loving The Alien”. Best of luck with the show; break a leg and rock on!

Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.

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Meet The Actor – Mr Karlis Zaid

Mr Karlis Zaid

Prepare to be transported into the enigmatic world of David Bowie with the spectacular show, Loving The Alien, starring Mr Karlis Zaid, who has performed in productions like ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘War Horse’. Joined by his unforgettable team, this performance promises to delve beyond Bowie’s iconic hits and unravel the man behind the legend. Today, we chat with the man behind the show.

About Mr Karlis Zaid

What do you enjoy most about acting?

There are hundreds of ways to answer this question, but I would say above everything else, it’s about shared experience. To share what it is to be human with a room full of strangers, without a word needing to be spoken, not many jobs have that.

What productions have you acted in before?

Haha, I’ve been performing for over 30 years! (I started very young….) So, some highlights would have to be 3 years touring internationally and in Australia with ‘Les Miserables’, the National Theatre of Great Britain’s production of ‘War Horse’, and my own shows that I’ve written/co-written, ‘The Beautiful Losers’ and ‘Australian Gothic’…and the one that I’m opening this week, ‘Loving The Alien’ at Arts Centre Melbourne!

Do you want to work in film, live theatre or both?

I’ve worked in theatre for a very long time, done bits and pieces of TV, and a little bit of film. I’m really committed to doing more film work. Only got my first key role in a feature film in 2021 (‘Lone Wolf’, alongside Hugo Weaving)

What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

This is a very tricky question, I like it ! I played Macduff in an outdoor tour of ‘Macbeth’, where we performed at wineries throughout Australia and New Zealand (I know, right ?!). I fought Maccers with a broadsword, and I also played King Duncan earlier in the show. So that means I got killed *and* killed someone in the same show! That’s pretty hard to beat.

Which acting technique do you think is the best for you?

Hahaha, learning my lines!

Do you believe talent or training is more important to an actor?

This is another excellent question. I’d say both, in equal measure. You can be talented, but you won’t get anywhere if you don’t work your arse off, and training simply has to be part of that.

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

From an actor’s point of view, there are those out of body experiences when it actually feels like the character is playing *you*, not the other way around. Those performances can be more than just believable, they can transform.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

LOVING THE ALIEN, the definitive David Bowie performance, is on for *five* shows only, July 3rd – 6th at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Starring my good self (writer/performer), chanteuse extraordinaire Aurora Kurth, with keyboards and piano forte by Andrew Patterson, and guitar wizardry by Aaron Syrjanen.

More than just his greatest hits, LOVING THE ALIEN will reveal *who* David Bowie really was….

Tickets selling fast, get on it Melbourne!

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Loving The Alien, please visit https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2025/contemporary-music/loving-the-alien.

Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your incredible journey. Best of luck with ‘Loving The Alien’; it sounds like an unforgettable show that will captivate and transform audiences! Break a leg at the Arts Centre Melbourne!

Other interviews can be viewed in our Meet The Performer Series.

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About The Show – Romeo & Juliet/Macbeth Double Bill

Romeo & Juliet/Macbeth Double Bill

G’day everyone! Today, we’re thrilled to have a yarn with the lead actor from the imaginative Romeo & Juliet/Macbeth Double Bill. These unique 90-minute musical adaptations shed a fresh light on the Bard’s timeless tales. Hang tight as we dive into this creative fusion and hear all about the joys and challenges of bringing such an intriguing performance to life.

About Romeo & Juliet/Macbeth Double Bill

What is this Production about?

This production is a double bill of 90-minute musical versions of Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth, with Australasian Indie-Folk and Bluegrass/Americana music, respectively. Music, Mischief, and Magic—It’s Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it.

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

The cast for both shows is the same, so all actors play roles across both shows. In this iteration of these shows, I play Romeo and Lady Macbeth. It’s been a lot of fun revisiting Romeo after a year away from the show, rediscovering all the little intricacies that made that character feel so special to me. Playing a gender-swapped Lady Macbeth was a daunting challenge, but one that has been so rewarding.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

Bringing Shakespeare into a more modern context without losing what makes it such a timeless and special sort of show is always a challenge, especially when you throw musical elements into the mix, but I think we handle the material with just the right amount of revelry and rebellion all at once.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

We like to think that our shows are for everyone, whether you like the bard’s work or not, but it is always a particularly special moment when someone who before coming along would have said they categorically hated Shakespeare tells us after the show that they finally feel like they get why people love his works so much. So I would say, in particular, people who don’t like Shakespeare will love our Shakespeare.

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?

I want to see any of the Australian musicians whose songs we use come along to the show. It’s been so special to get to connect with some of the Kiwi artists we’ve used music from, and I’d love to get that connection across the ditch as well! So that means I want to see: the band Dragon, the band Jet, The Dreggs, Divinyls, and Kyle Lionheart at the show!

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

The production runs from 27 May – 1 June at Chapel Off Chapel. To book tickets to the Romeo & Juliet/Macbeth Double Bill, please visit https://chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/the-barden-party-shakespeare-double-bill/.

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and excitement for the Romeo & Juliet/Macbeth Double Bill. Wishing you all the best for the upcoming performances – may they be filled with all the music, mischief, and magic that makes Shakespeare unforgettable! Break a leg!

Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.

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Meet The Actor – Deborah An

Deborah An

Greetings, theatre enthusiasts! Today, we’re delighted to feature a star from the upcoming production of Eureka Day at the Reginald Theatre. Our guest has journeyed through diverse characters on stage and screen, bringing a unique blend of charm and depth to every role. As we gear up for the show’s premiere, let’s dive into the world of our talented actor and discover their passion for the craft.

About Deborah An

Why do you want to be an actor?

From the age of six, I wanted to be everything when I grew up: a ballerina, an astronaut, a teacher, police officer, mermaid, lawyer, veterinarian, painter, pilot. You get the idea. Everything. Around the age of 10, I discovered the reason I wanted to be all these things was because I saw them in movies. It was then that I realised the only profession I could pursue that would allow me to be all of these people was acting. But don’t get me wrong, I still – and on a sometimes regular basis – consider changing careers. The thing is I always come back to acting. And let’s be honest, we can’t all be Jonny Kim (Google him if you need to).

What do you enjoy most about acting?

When you step into a character, you have no choice but to see the world through their perspective. Sometimes your character holds similarities to you as the actor, but when they don’t, it’s a challenge. Even more than a challenge, it’s an opportunity to confront your own ideals, worldview and sometimes fears. No matter who the character is, I always walk away at the end of a production feeling like I’ve evolved as a person, and that’s what I love about acting.

What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

This is such a tricky question! If I had to choose one, it would be Min Jee in Night Bloomers on SBS. It was the first time I spoke Korean on camera and also the first time I died on camera! Don’t worry, it’s an anthology, that wasn’t a huge spoiler. The whole creative team, the writers, directors and most of the actors were all Korean and that was pretty special to me.

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

This is something I struggle with in my day to day life, but I think LISTENING. When you stop just hearing the words someone else is saying because you’re too busy trying to think of what you’re going to say next, and start actively listening, it makes you present and responsive. But to be honest it can actually be quite exhausting. Haha.

How do you maintain your physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects?

Prioritising the basics like eating and sleeping well, I find, goes a loooong way. Outside of pure survival though, if I know I’m going to be flat out for X period, I’ll let my friends know I won’t be seeing them for a few weeks, or in some cases months. I can be quite an introvert, so the last thing I want to do after a long week is socialise on the weekend. My friends know me well enough by now not to take it personally. Bless them. Physically, I like walking my dog to the park or beach, which helps emotionally too. I also love cleaning the house and meal prepping, so that becomes almost a meditative ritual for me. I think it comes down to knowing what you need and scheduling time for that.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Outhouse Theatre Co and Seymour Centre present Jonathan Spector’s ‘Eureka Day’ at the Reginald Theatre from 29th May to 21st June!

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Eureka Day, please visit https://www.seymourcentre.com/event/eureka-day/.

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us! Break a leg in *Eureka Day*; we can’t wait to see you bring the Reginald Theatre to life. Cheers to an amazing run!

Other interviews can be viewed in our Meet The Performer Series.

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