From Kangaroos hopping through the dusty camps of Roma to standing in the spotlight of Australia's most prestigious stages, veteran Indigenous actor Roxanne MacDonald takes us on an intimate journey through her remarkable life and career.
Roxanne's story begins with vivid childhood memories – collecting money for the pictures from her mother who worked at the School of Arts, learning from her grandmother how to find witchetty grubs and the profound cultural transition when her family moved to Brisbane. There, she experienced the harsh reality of racism in schools where Aboriginal families were scarce - forming the backdrop to her eventual discovery of acting at age 25.
With disarming vulnerability, Roxanne reveals the emotional battleground behind each performance. "You die a few deaths yourself because you give so much," she confesses - describing how fully embodying characters takes something from you while simultaneously filling your soul. Her breakthrough moment came with "You Came to My Country and You Didn't Turn Black," performing the poetry of Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Aunty Maureen Watson – a production her late mother considered her finest work across her three-decade career.
The conversation shifts to the changing landscape for today's actors, with Roxanne offering wisdom gained through years of discipline and sacrifice. She notes how young performers navigate new challenges in the age of social media, while producers increasingly value follower counts alongside talent. Despite these industry evolutions, her advice remains timeless: be prepared, be professional and understand that this demanding craft requires complete dedication.
What resonates most powerfully is Roxanne's profound gratitude for finding her purpose. "This industry has given me a confidence like I've never had... it's just made my soul sing because it's what I was meant to do".
Her journey stands as testament to how storytelling can heal, transform and connect us to our deepest cultural roots.
Have you discovered what makes your soul sing? Listen to Roxanne's story and be inspired to find your own authentic voice.
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