Observatory Theatre’s Picnic at Hanging Rock|| Malika Savory

The Fame Reporter interviewed Brisbane theatre performer Malika Savory. Malika is currently starring in Observatory Theatre’s Picnic at Hanging Rock. The show is playing at Studio1, Yeerongpilly until 20th August.

Malika’s theatrical credits include La Boite Assembly 23′ (La Boite Theatre, Actor), Proof (Ad Astra, Catherine Understudy/Catherine), Children of The Black Skirt (The Curators, New One), Pierrot (Backbone Youth Arts, Pierrot) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (APAC, Hermia).

She has worked on productions with Anywhere Theatre Festival (A Drop Too Many, Maxi Mossman) and Short & Sweet Festival (No, No Cyrano!). She currently trains with Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre Company and Gareth Harris. Malika is part of the ATYP Youth Advisory Body, ATYP Script Assessment Panel and is currently studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts: Creative Writing at QUT.

We sat down with Malika and talked about her experience performing in Brisbane theatre, what she loves about her main character, Sara in this historic play, how she enjoys working with Observatory Theatre and more.

What was it that sparked your interest in performing initially?
I was always interested in the arts, but I initially started acting because I was quite shy in school and performing was the place where I felt most comfortable! Now it’s changed slightly, but nothing still quite matches the feeling of performing onstage.

Right now, I am really enjoying the process of analysing a script – finding all these clues within a text, and then falling into a rabbit hole to understand the world of a play.

What is Picnic at Hanging Rock about for those who don’t know?
The story, which is a novel originally written by Joan Lindsay, is about a group of schoolgirls who, while exploring Hanging Rock on a Valentine’s Day picnic in 1900, mysteriously vanish. It then focuses on the psychological effects their disappearance has on the various people left behind.

Many people actually believe the story is based on real events, and there are many theories and speculations as to what actually happened to the girls.

What enticed you to want to audition for Picnic at Hanging Rock and the history behind the show?
I was actually contacted for an initial table read last year, and then things went from there! But I think I have always been fascinated with the original novel, and its place within Australian literature. It’s important to understand and revisit our history, and I think Lindsay brings up a lot of questions that are still relevant today.

This questioning nature seems to be more of the focus for Tom Wright’s adaptation, which brings them right to the forefront and forces us to confront them.

What do you admire about your character and what is your favourite part of the show?
Although we have several characters we play, Sara is my main character. She is this beautiful artistic dreamer growing up within the rigid schooling system of English curriculum. She is incredibly defiant in her own way, and her refusal to buckle is something I love. I have enjoyed working as part of an ensemble.

What do you admire about your character and what is your favourite part of the show?
Although we have several characters we play, Sara is my main character. She is this beautiful artistic dreamer growing up within the rigid schooling system of English curriculum. She is incredibly defiant in her own way, and her refusal to buckle is something I love. I have enjoyed working as part of an ensemble.

Although we each have our own respective characters, there are moments where we come together as these narrators who are desperately trying to uncover the mystery. I love being together with the other cast members in those moments because they are the moments that propel the story forward.

Congratulations on all your success in your career thus far, what was it like working with Queensland companies like La Boite Theatre and Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre Company?
Thank you – it has been absolutely wonderful. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with these companies. It’s allowed me to create, explore and train with people who really influence my interests and pushed me into new directions that I didn’t expect. And these places of gathering are so important – the people you meet become your friends, collaborators, mentors – and all of these spaces enrich Brisbane’s cultural scene so much.

How did your tertiary education affect your current career progression today?
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts: Creative Writing at QUT, so still in progress I’d say haha! I studied at the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory previously and gained a lot of training from their teaching.

I have definitely continued to train after graduating, and I think continuing to learn, particularly in acting methods that interest me, has made a big difference for me today.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Jacques Lecoq, Kimiko Tsumura, Michael Gow.

What do you love about working with the Observatory Theatre team and being part of their productions?
There are so many things I’ve loved. Observatory Theatre’s 2023 season is bold and challenging, and that is exactly what this company is about. You never know what the next thing will be, and I find that very exciting. The rehearsal process has been similar in that regard.

We’ve deep dived into many ideas to help support this play, and I’ve really loved the process of that. And of course, Lachlan creates such a professional environment – he is so passionate and dedicated in his work – and it’s been really wonderful working with him.

Why should audiences come along and see Picnic at Hanging Rock?
It allows you to revisit a well-known story in a way you didn’t realise before. Also, you can deep dive on the mystery of Hanging Rock on the internet afterwards, although you may be there for several hours.