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.
