WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - Wendy Mocke
Multidisciplinary Artist Wendy Mocke gave us a glimpse into her life.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a Papua New Guinean actor, playwright, screenwriter, chauffeur to my daughter and personal chef to my daughter's pet cat. In terms of my heritage, my father’s people are from Usino Bundi in Madang Province and my mother’s people are from Simbu province. I grew up in beautiful Madang so it will always be home to me. When I was 12 years old, my parents sent me to Cairns, Australia. I went to a boarding run by Irish Catholic nuns who were equal parts scary and incredible. They helped shape my life. So I also like to say that far north QLD holds a very soft gooey space in my heart.
Have you always wanted to become an artist?
I have this very clear memory in my head. When I was eight years old, I said to my father: ‘Dad, when I grow up, I want to be an artist’. My Father looked at me perplexed and said: ‘So you want to be poor all your life?’ which is such a PNG parent thing to say! Haha I remember he quickly followed up that comment with a smile, careful not to crush my eight-year old dream. It’s a good thing I’m also stubborn! I think my father and I always knew I would end up in the arts.
What was your journey into the arts like?
Like a lot of PNG kids that are sent overseas for schooling, I never thought I could really pursue a serious career in the arts because the expectation was to get a business degree or a law degree and be able to support my family with a 9 to 5 office job. I did exactly that for a little while until I met the love of my life - my daughter. I realized then how important it is to not let what you love or are most passionate about go. As soon as I made that decision to fall back in love with Acting & Writing, it was as if the Ancestors were listening because almost immediately I got into a Performing Arts institute in Sydney and it’s been a whirlwind ride since then. One that I am very grateful for!
You've had an exciting career thus far as a multidisciplinary artist - can you tell us about a highlight of your career that stands out to you as well as a time that you found challenging?
Oooh a highlight, gosh Bad Ancestors is definitely one! I would have never thought a crazy idea in my brain would materialize in this way and I’d get to work with my own Pacific Islander community as well as collaborate with First Nation and POC creatives in the making. Wild! I’m still pinching myself. Another most recent highlight is winning the Griffin Theatre Award for new Australian playwriting for my play ‘I am Kegu’. That play was the very first play I wrote and it is written in 3 different dialects - Tokpisin, Tokples Kuman and English. It's very Melanesian at its core so to have it win such a prestigious Australian playwriting award is unreal.
A time that I found challenging is having to walk away from a job recently because of the racism I experienced. Unfortunately, our industry still has a lot to learn and navigating these workplaces can be tough. I had to make a call, stay, get the cheque, and continue to experience the disrespect or cut my losses and put my safety and mental health first. I chose my wellbeing and walked because at the end of the day if you’re not ok, that means your artistry is not ok, your health is not ok and the time with your family is not ok. I’m glad I made the call and also proud of myself for prioritizing my mental health because as a Pacific Islander woman we’re so used to putting others first.
What is it like as a Melanesian woman in the arts industry in Australia?
It can be isolating at times because I’m often the only one in the room, creative team or cast that is Melanesian. There is also the fact that often not only am I the only Black person in the room but also the only Pacific Islander. There is a duality there that I constantly navigate. I will say however, when I do have the opportunity to work with fellow Pacific Islanders or First Nation creatives - it really fills my tank up and makes my heart so happy to see us take up spaces. Nothing brings me more joy in the industry than to see my people win.
You've just realeased your series 'Bad Ancestors' If there is one thing that your audience takes from 'Bad Ancestors' what would it be?
Weeeeeelll, maybe when seeking advice from the Ancestors, it might be useful to direct your request for help to the Ancestors who are actually good at their jobs. Maybe look at their google reviews? Otherwise you’ll end up with Ancestors like Nora and Charli and I don’t know if you want that chaos in your life…..maybe you do!
What is one piece of advice you've been given that has stayed with you?
One that comes to mind is a quote that I came across; “I refuse to be small because you think small”. I’m always interested in smashing apart tropes or stereotypes, whether it’s the industry or the Western lens. Don’t let the opinion of others define the stories you want to tell or how you tell it.
How has your upbringing & culture shaped you into the woman you are today?
It’s instilled a sense of identity and understanding of how at the end of the day, I know I belong to something. Whether it’s my country, my tribe or my family. I belong to something and somewhere so I move through the world knowing that I’m a part of a rich and vibrant tapestry. That’s given me a sense of confidence and grounding that I continually draw upon.
Who or what inspires you?
Um in terms of people, the first to come to mind are Solange, Grace Jones and my aunty Josie. What they have in common is that they are all Black women who define and redefine themselves by their own standards. They’re so authentically themselves and aren't afraid to go against the grain by disrupting art forms or societal standards of beauty, power and creativity. Black women are the blueprint and I’m forever of a stan of theirs. This is gonna sound hippy dippy so bear with me but nature also inspires me because whoever created all of this beauty is incredibly talented and I hope they have a good agent because they should be booked and busy.
What advice do you have for other young melanesians wanting to pursue art?
If you’re really passionate and you truly want to do it - don’t think small. Our ancestors didn't. They were navigators, chiefs and visionaries - it’s within us to cross oceans, read the stars and conquer mountains. Dream big, dream in color and even if you flop however big or small, that is how you get good at what you love. Just lead with your heart; go do that audition, make that short film with your friends, write a one act play that no one will understand, the heart is muscle so the more you lead with it, the stronger you will get.
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