In the moments of time between a busy schedule of stage, TV and the big screen appearances, West Footscray actor Greg Caine likes to wander by the Maribyrnong River or dig into one of Melbourne’s best curries. He speaks with Benjamin Millar
What is your connection with West Footscray?
I moved here as I wanted to be closer to Melbourne for acting work and I absolutely love it! It’s such a vibrant community. People have been so friendly and welcoming and there is so much going on in and around Footscray, it’s brilliant.
What do you love most about the area?
It’s so close to the city it makes travelling in for jobs and auditions a breeze. The banks of the Maribyrnong River are spectacular and are my favourite place to spend time walking or cycling. There are so many great cafes and restaurants, but as I grew up in England before moving out to Australia 29 years ago I can’t go past a good Indian curry and the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne are right here in West Footscray on Barkly Street.
How did you become involved in acting?
I was living in Sydney and attended NIDA and within five minutes of a class with the great performance coach Carlton Lamb I was hooked. I love the feeling of empathy and interconnection with my fellow actors, it’s being part of something where everyone is pulling together with a common goal. The energy created by that common focus is just amazing – there is nothing quite like it. Eighteen years later I still get the same buzz, whether it’s working on a TV series like Utopia, or a feature film like Marriage or a play like Dead Air.
What can you tell us about Marriage?
I was privileged to work on this UK feature film directed by the incomparable Katerina Philippou-Curtis. The film is the story of crumbling marriage, but the hidden theme is Europe’s current crumbling social, political and financial system. I play the role of Larry, a powerful, corrupt and unscrupulous Wall Street banker. The film is beautifully shot and has had amazing film festival success, picking up 41 international awards … and counting!
What drew you to your next play Dead Air?
I am a member of Bitten By Productions, the production company behind the show, and we specialise in original, thought-provoking, character-driven content.
Dead Air was written by brilliant young playwright Tom Reed and once we discovered the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray, we knew we had the perfect space. It’s a chilling roller coaster ride and all-encompassing sensory experience where science collides with faith. Following Dead Air, I am making my directorial debut for Melbourne Fringe with We Can Work It Out, reimagining a day in the life of the Beatles.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
My father is a great carpenter and cabinet maker and I guess a bit of his amazing skill must have rubbed off on me when I used to help him in his workshop as a teenager. I love nothing better than losing a few hours in my man cave dabbling in a bit of carpentry, creating furniture or doing wood carving.
Dead Air will be at Bluestone Church Arts Space from June 14-23. Details: facebook.com/BittenByProductions
