K ate Mulvany is a regular in Australian theatre productions, both on stage and behind the scenes. As an actor she has played everyone from Cassius to Lady Macbeth. As a writer she has adapted novels such as Jasper Jones and The Harp in the South for the stage.
Her latest gig is with the Pinchgut Opera’s production of Dido and Aeneas, for which Mulvany has penned a new spoken-word prologue – adding helpful context to the tragic love story. In her personal and professional lives, Mulvany relies on one trusty object to get her through the day: a shillelagh, or type of walking stick. Here the performer tells us about that essential handcrafted item, as well as the stories of two other important belongings.
View image in fullscreen Kate Mulvany with her ‘badass shillelagh’ What I’d save from my house in a fire A few years ago, after badly fracturing my spine, my specialist told me I needed a “staff” to take the pressure off my back when I stood for long periods of time. I thought by “staff” he meant “team of people”. When I asked him to clarify how many people, he said, “No.
A staff. Like a wizard.” Which is actually a bloody wondrous thing to hear after you’ve broken your back – very empowering.
Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning Anyway, I took my doctor’s orders and I contacted my dear mate Dan Spielman, who is not just a sublime actor but also a master craftsman..
