Where I’m Coming From
Compiled by Forrest Preece
Elizabeth V. Newman - Theatre and Film Director
- What’s something about you that not many people know?
I played Varsity Badminton (First Doubles) in high school - a surprisingly fierce sport!
- What was your first job?
Actually, the first paycheck I ever earned was for performing as a ‘Page’ in American Ballet Theatre’s production of Sleeping Beauty at Lincoln Center when I was 8.
- If you could have dinner with three people – dead or alive, at any time in history—who would they be?
Groucho, Chico and Harpo Marx. What an outrageously fun dinner that would be!
- If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be?
I’ve always been a fan of Bob Dylan. I’ve just learned about and started listening to Hildegard von Bingen - a brilliant female composer from nearly a thousand years ago!
- Favorite book and/or TV show?
I loved Succession. It was fascinating to see - in a dysfunctional ‘family of origin’ - how in each of the adult children the different branches of the proverbial family tree became warped and damaged each in their own unique ways.
In a totally different vein, I am a big fan of Sherlock -- what a great contemporary take on the classic detective stories. There is such great humor and chemistry that I’ve found myself re-watching episodes again and again over the years.
Speaking of British humor, I’m now reading the complete works of P. G. Wodehouse. Yes, I absolutely laugh out loud while reading!
- Most powerful movie you have seen.
Requiem For A Dream by Darren Aronofsky. I saw it in the theatre twenty five years ago and the performances and visual storytelling and haunting music by the Kronos Quartet are still with me. A deep and powerful exploration into the ravages of addiction.
- What makes you happy?
Increasingly, what brings me joy are those small moments of connection and beauty: baking with my daughter; a conversation with a dear friend; finding a *moment* in rehearsal with my actors or a lighting or sound cue with one of my designers that is just *right* for the work.
- Favorite place in Austin?
A favorite place/view/experience is driving up Mt. Bonnell Road en route to my daughter’s school (St. Stephen’s), and coming upon the view of the Pennybacker Bridge over the water. It is completely surprising, completely stunning and completely different every single day because of the changes in weather and in the light at the various times of year.
- Favorite restaurant and watering hole
Josephine House
- Which living person do you most admire?
It’s impossible to limit to one! I deeply admire the amazing, hardworking, and dedicated artists and craftspeople (actors, designers, composers) that I get to work with while making theatre and film.
- Best advice you ever received?
Always have - or create - something to look forward to - it can be large or small - but just make sure there is some kind of a bright spot ahead. This was advice from my grandmother and great uncle that was passed down to my mom and now to me and my kiddo.
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