Williamstown’s Sandra Willis conceived the idea for Australian Opera’s multi award-winning production, The Rabbits, a story of white settlement in Australia and the effect on the indigenous population. She speaks to Goya Dmytryshchak.
Can you tell me about your work in opera?
I’m the executive producer, touring and outreach, for Opera Australia.
I produce operas all around Australia and have initiated extensive community engagement programs, including creating 37 regional children’s choruses, involving 757 children from Tennant Creek and the Pilbara to Warrnambool and Rockhampton.
I have recently produced, from its inception, a new Australian Opera called
The Rabbits, based on the book by John Marsden and Shaun Tan, which Kate Miller-Heidke composed.
It tells a story of colonisation, civilisation and progress and is a show for all ages.
The Rabbits received enormous critical success and won four Helpmann Awards in 2015 including Best New Australian Work.
After sold-out seasons in Perth and the Melbourne Festival, The Rabbits will next be seen at the Sydney Festival this month.
What’s your connection to Williamstown?
I grew up in Williamstown – my family has lived here for decades.
After living in Sydney for 15 years, when the professional opportunity came to move back to Melbourne, I chose to come straight home to Willy.
What’s your fondest memory from living here?
When I was young I used to love the Williamstown Festival over the Australia Day weekend.
It always seemed so exciting to see Nelson Place come alive with entertainment, shows, bands, a parade, ice creams, fireworks and hanging with friends.
While it also heralded the end of summer school holidays it always seemed like the perfect end to summer.
What do you love about Williamstown?
The water, the fresh air, the views, the history, the feeling of escaping the city and yet its proximity to the city, and I feel blessed to live in among a beautiful, friendly community.
What would you change?
I believe the arts should be an integral part of all Australians lives and I work towards encouraging and supporting a rich, diverse national culture.
I’d like to see a greater understanding of the value of the arts in our lives from all levels of government and society.
The arts, just like sport, can be the social glue of communities because it offers a sense of connection, community, participation, creativity and innovation and keeps people of all ages active and healthy both physically and mentally.
Art challenges us to look at beauty and tragedy in a new way. It can hold a mirror up to our lives and help us reflect on our past, present and future, and it also stimulates the national and local economies.
What’s your favourite cafe/eatery?
My favourite place to go for dinner in Williamstown is Santorini. Authentic healthy Greek food, friendly, fun atmosphere and it’s always bustling with satisfied diners.
