Jan Bolwell

Jan Bolwell is a playwright, actor, choreographer, dancer and director of Wellington’s Crows Feet Dance Collective, a community dance company for mature women. Bill Massey’s Tourists, currently travelling the country with Arts On Tour New Zealand, is her fifth play and the third in a trilogy of solo plays. Interview by

Mike Alexander. Which living person do you most admire?

Malala Yousafzai. When Crows Feet Dance Collective created Hakari: The Dinner Party last year we focused on 10 iconic women. Malala was one of them. With her extraordinary strength, courage and eloquence, she presents a powerful role model for young women, especially those who are denied the right to education. It is wonderful news that she has just been accepted into Oxford University.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Some years ago, I told a university vice-chancellor that his Maori pronunciation needed attention. I got the wrong person. I thought he was the I don’t have children but I have two gorgeous nieces. I would say to them ‘always follow your bliss and don’t live your life harbouring regrets’.

If you could time travel, what period of history most fascinates you and why?

Greece in the 5th century BC. I got hooked on Ancient Greece when I took classical studies at university and then spent time travelling around that country. I would like to go back to Olympia in the heyday of the ancient Olympic Games, and then to Epidaurus to witness a performance of Euripides’ The Bacchae. If I were younger I would love a stint as a DOC ranger. I adore the New Zealand bush and it would be wonderful to wake up each day knowing that was my workplace.

Jan Bolwell’s is touring throughout New Zealand until September 30.

Bill Massey’s Tourists