Alexander Berlage’s bold aesthetic makes for exciting theatre. The young director and lighting designer chats with Steve Dow about his current projects – the Australian premiere of a musical that could do with his inspirational touch, and the world premiere of a new opera commissioned by Sydney Chamber Opera.

Alexander Berlage
Alexander Berlage. Photo © Daniel Boud

Boldness is a description often applied to the theatrical choices of Sydney-born director and lighting designer Alexander Berlage. He cuts a fine Wildean silhouette now in rounded spectacles and orange jacket at a café in Sydney’s Surry Hills, his friendly, five-year-old female French bulldog, Panda, by his side as he discusses Spanish film auteurism, the personal generosity of a late Australian actor and an iconic experimental US theatre director who expanded his mind.

Turning 33...