Actor and writer Kate Mulvany developed her empathetic fascination with humanity during long stretches in hospital as a child. As she prepares to perform in her own adaptation of classic Australian novel The Shiralee for Sydney Theatre Company, she discusses her life and work with Steve Dow.

Kate Mulvany with Yorick. Photo © Mark Rogers

Danny Mulvany loved the heat, evident in his tanned, leathery skin. The Ten Pound Pom from Nottingham immigrated to the red dirt of Derby in the West Australian Kimberley as a young man, then raised a family in remote coastal Geraldton, 400 kilometres north of Perth, never wanting to move back to England.

Taking a labourer’s job with Western Australia’s Main Roads Department, Danny travelled in his old ute, which...