Heidi Arena

Former student and NIDA Graduate, Class of 2002

How incredible to read how KJ has had such a profound impact on by our lives – I’ve loved reading these tales. All different and all KJ-ness.

He will always be a lion to me: proud, wise, complicated, formidable at first and then a heart larger than Pharlap’s.

The twinkle in his eye and his courage for honesty could knock you over, boy it could knock you over, but how fortunate you were when he circled you and made you dig deeper to find your best. I feel so lucky to have been in his orbit. He has had a profound impact on me. To this day I think of KJ, he’s there, trying to keep me honest, to get rid of the fear and noise. I’ve told him that in emails back and fourth over the years. He was always there.

This is my tale (I love how everyone has their own).

In first year NIDA he gave me the lead role in his play “Slaughter of St Teresa’s Day”. I was completely terrified , excited, I hadn’t ever acted in a play before, this was either going to make me or break me! I had never worked harder, doing all KJ’s work on the script etc., but one day in rehearsal KJ calmly and very directly said, “Get out!” I said “what ??” I was in complete shock. .. he said again “Get out of my rehearsal room, you’re a coward , you don’t deserve this role, there are 9 other girls who would die to perform this role!!” I knew he was serious , unwavering. We were all in shock… In disbelief I packed up my things and left. I stormed home walking all the way up Alison Road hill, fuming and incensed he had sent me home, “how could he ??” When I couldn’t be working harder if I tried ?? I was so angry that night. I cried, I talked to myself and I thought “No way! How dare you!”

The next day I stormed back to NIDA and into his rehearsal room, hardly making eye contact with him. He started the rehearsal, I jumped up and the fire he had put in me I have never acted with such truth and vigour. It felt completely different. He clapped and said “There you are, that’s what I want. Now You can stay”.

I have been addicted to trying to find that “in the moment” feeling, letting go of the fear finding that elusive, wondrous honesty and clarity ever since. I thank him for it every single gig. What a gift of a lesson to learn. He cared, he SO cared, deeply for the work, for us. There is no one like KJ. Love you and thank you

RIP dear you

Heidi x