Interview: John G Davies talks about Prowl and Seek
John G Davies left the school and joined Red Mole Enterprises as Ace in Ace Follies, a satirical romp lampooning Robert Muldoon’s diplomatic tour of the world in 1976. He was with the troupe until 1984. Their adventures have become a colourful thread in the textile of the New Zealand theatre story, but after eight years of continual touring, John made his exit and travelled a more solitary road, fashioning a career from possibilities within the performing arts industry. It has been a precarious existence, and he has turned his hand to whatever task the industry may offer, whether it be as an actor, teacher, writer, director or arts manager. John talks to NZ Booklovers about his memoir.
Tell us a little about Prowl and Seek.
This book is a piece of political theatre, with a few dashes of personal chilli sauce. There are some reveals, but mostly it's about the legacy of the land and culture I was born into, and how I view it. It’s about the wars that have shaped me, the invasion of Waikato in 1863, the war for Whanganui, and the big internationals: the Boer War, the First and Second World Wars. It’s about the shadow these conflicts have cast across the land and lives of all of us. It’s also about my struggle to find my place as an artist, and how I still have to deal with the question: Do you get paid to do that? It’s about searching and finding that the treasure is where I stand; all I have to do is dig.
What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write about my heritage and how that sits within the history of Aotearoa, but couldn’t find a way to frame it, a reason or context to put it into. Then, when COVID and red light settings made it difficult to work in theatre and tutoring, I thought that perhaps I could go back to my roots and sing in the streets, as I have done over the decades, but perhaps being in the street could also have the purpose of watching, thinking, reflecting. So I would gift my songs and, in the process, ruminate on all that I see and think about, regarding the past and the present.
I would not have done it without the grant; kia ora CNZ.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
After I had sung in the street of each town, I would go to the motel and simply make random, unorganised notes: impressions, things people had said, the effect each town had on me, and any reflections. Then, when the tour was complete, I started with those notes and slowly built the narrative and the themes that run through the book.
If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
Beyond the Horizon, Bob Dylan
Because I was busking, there were dozens of songs that I sang every day. 50% of those songs are my own. My favourites to sing include; Fallen World/ Belle de Jour/Golden Calf
As I was driving from town to town, I would enjoy silence or orchestral music, mostly Beethoven.
What did you enjoy the most about writing Prowl and Seek?
Trying to articulate the distinct timbre, or atmosphere of each town. I really enjoyed the interaction that I had with pedestrians, the remarks, the responses.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
Made a list of publishers to send the manuscript to. The process never really finishes; the writing rolls into the editing, the editing into the sending to publishers, and then the ongoing process of preparing for publishing. Only now that the book is on sale do I feel that the process is complete, and I celebrate by inviting friends and family to share a meal.
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
The Magician Colm Toibin. I seek inspiration and pleasure from one of my favourite authors. This book deals with the life of the writer Thomas Mann, and as the review says…a stunning portrait of one master by another.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
Happily more writing: a novel, a family memoir, a couple of plays.
Ugly Hill Press
