Genevieve Morris - Performer. Partner. Mother. Friend.

I met Gen a couple of years ago when her daughter started at my daughters school. Over those couple of years, our friendship has been growing and getting to know this genuinely funny, kind and beautiful person has been a wonderful journey so far. I was lucky enough to spend time with Gen backstage while she was in the play True Minds by Joanna Murray-Smith. I loved every minute of it. I got to see Gen with her theatre family, and it made me realise how different this world of hers was in comparison to the world I share with her.

Genevieve Morris

How would you describe yourself Gen? 
“I would describe myself as a complicated being who is a performer, a partner, a friend, a mother, a sister, an aunt, and a 46-year-old orphan. Oh and a provider of laughter.”

Dressing room door

Gen starting to get ready for her show

Make-up

 The change begins

 When did you first realise you wanted to act?

 “In all seriousness I realised I wanted to act in grade 6 in primary school. I made up a play with my friends based on a book and I loved the whole process, but most of all I loved playing the role (I think I played a bear) and getting lost in the moment of it and feeling like the audience and I were on a ride together. After the performance, my teacher told me I was a very good actress. I was filled with pride and a sense of achievement. I love that feeling.”

How does performing make you feel, what does it invoke in you?

“Performing makes me feel that same sense of pride today. Everyone is good at "something". Even if they don't know what that is.

I guess when I'm performing there's a sense of control about it (or not? Depending on the project).

I have a sense that I am the one that is controlling things, such as my own actions, my own sense of comic timing, the impact on an audience, the physicality of the role and the vocal requirements etc. When I'm doing theatre, and comedy especially, I relish the feeling of moving an audience to laughter, or tears, or both. And in working with fellow cast members, crews etc, I love the sense of comradery. We are all working towards a common goal. We are not competing. We are a family.”

Propolis for the throat

Gen doing her vocal exercises

If you had a day just to yourself, how would you spend it?

“If I had a day to myself, I would probably spend it at home - pottering around. Doing a few tasks, that makes me feel like things are a bit more under control. I find it hard to get much done when kids are around. I might finish off that day to myself with a massage that lasts about 3 hours and puts me to sleep. Yeah that sounds good.”

Warm up continues

So much energy goes into getting ready

To follow...
 A day in the life with Genevieve continues