Cork Profile - Gina Moxley
When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up? An artist.
Tell us about your career progression to your role today: I went to the Crawford 1974-1978 then moved to Dublin and got involved in theatre soon after. Still at it, writing, directing and acting.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do? It's all of a piece but it's particularly gratifying when it all comes together and the audience get what you're trying to achieve.
What motivates you? Work. Making new stuff with new people. I'm such a bore, the arts are all that interest me really. Having to live, pay for things is a motivation and consideration too of course.
What advice would you give your 15 year old self? Yes, this is the right thing for you.
If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing? I am a freelancer so my work is quite varied. If I wasn't in theatre then I'd love to be in architecture, design, something like that.
What is your greatest life or career achievement to date? The success of my recent show ‘The Patient Gloria’. A critic in the New York Times just said we should've been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. We weren't eligible but that blew me away. It was a huge acknowledgement.
Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life? My collaborations with Gavin Quinn at Pan Pan Theatre have been central to my world view. He is a great ally.
What is the life dream now? To have an extended summer holiday. I've been going like the clappers for the last few years so it's time to unwind and flatline. And read a book that isn't work related.
How do you switch off? Swimming, travelling, pilates. I'm getting better at going to the movies again. I don't have a TV.
What is your favourite Cork memory? Most recent is swimming in Hellhole near our old pub, the Angler's Rest, while working with Corcadorca during Cork Midsummer Festival last year. I've been going swimming there since I was a very small child and it's hardly changed.
What is your favourite place in Cork? Nell's Wine Bar on McCurtain Street. We demolished the entire menu when we were there recently.
Do you have a favourite quote or motto? ‘Never do anything that does not annoy someone in power.’ Bob and Roberta Smith. I try to live by that.
When are you at your happiest? In or on warm salt water with sardines grilling and white wine chilling somewhere nearby.
What is your hidden talent? I'm a contortionist.
What might we be surprised to know about you? I'm an open book, there's nothing much hidden.
Anything else you’d like to share with us? That's enough for you, surely.
Writer and performer, Gina Moxley, will bring her new show, ‘I Fall Down:A Restoration Comedy’ to the Crawford Art Gallery as part of Cork Midsummer Festival. Produced in association with The Everyman, it will run from 14-18 June. See Everymancork.com.
Factfile
Name and position: Gina Moxley, writer and performer
Age: 65
Lives: Dublin
Favourite thing about Cork: Incredible food - you barely have to leave McCurtain Street. Dangerous.
Least favourite thing about Cork: What eejit would tell you that?
One thing you’d change about Cork: Use the river more, so little faces it.