JANET Tweedie was born in Perth and then lived for 27 years in Canberra before moving to Beechworth in 2017. After two years in town, Janet with her partner bought their six acre property in Stanley which the couple love.
What’s your job?
To earn money, I work in human resources (HR). But my real job, the thing I love to do but don’t get paid for, is anything to do with the arts. In Beechworth I have two art's ‘hats’ – Beechworth Theatre Company (BTC) vice-president and creative director of 'Winterwords'. I most recently directed BTC’s play 'Trial and Error,' a comedy by playwright Kenneth Horne but in the next few weeks, my focus is squarely on the inaugural 'Winterwords' next month.
What brought you to this role?
I first got involved in theatre when I was in my 20s and also commenced singing training. In 1987 I put acting and singing together and found musical theatre – my first show being 'My Fair Lady'. When in Canberra, I joined the Queanbeyan Players (QP) and performed in many shows in ensemble and principal roles. In 2015 I had the greatest pleasure of my life when I directed QPs production of 'My Fair Lady'. One of the reasons my partner and I chose Beechworth for our ‘tree change’ was the fact that it had a theatre company.
What do you love about your job?
To take a show from inception to performance is an amazing experience. To watch the cast develop their characters and see the vision of the playwright come to life is magical. To hear the audience truly enjoy themselves is icing on the cake. To me, theatre is about community. It’s about making those connections, being entertained together, sharing a magical moment.
The role of organising Winterwords has been challenging but also very exciting and with the help of the fantastic group of creative, energiser bunnies that make up our committee, I believe we have organised a wonderful, unique, week of wordy experiences.
What do you do in the community?
I volunteer at the Stanley Post Office. I found this is a really great way to get to know other Stanley-ites and feel part of this small but vibrant community.
What’s the most important current community issue for you?
The big issue in Stanley is water mining. The community have tried over many years to get resolution to the issue of the selling of this precious resource for bottled water production.
What would you do to solve, change or improve that situation?
I will support Stanley in its efforts to have regulations changed. I also ensure that I never use bottled water myself and encourage others not to use it.
What’s the most important current world issue for you?
Inequality. It impacts across all domains including access to fresh food and water, education, housing, jobs, social outcomes – you name it, inequality is a major problem.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo, or was already here, who would that be and what would you show them?
Katherine Hepburn – an acting idol of mine. I would show her the historic Beechworth Courthouse.
Why would you show her that?
In the courthouse is the story of Ellen Kelly – another incredible, strong, amazing woman just like Katherine.
What book are you reading?
'A Theatre for Dreamers' by Polly Samson.