Top Spot: Morgana O'Reilly

What are your primary sources of creative inspiration?

Everything can be a source of inspiration! Pretending to be someone else or writing about other people – what a weird job! Having moments away or any kind of travel is exceptional for that because it reminds me to be present and open. Whether that’s two hours away from where your bed sheets live or further abroad.

Is it a challenge to readjust to normality after spending so much time playing different characters?

Funnily enough, it gives me a frame of reference for who I am. Whenever I play a character I always think about how they’re similar to or different from me; playing other people is a great way to understand myself. I always finish playing a character with a little bit of them left over, which is usually a good thing. Sometimes it’s just a costume style I wouldn’t normally wear myself. Other times, depending on how dramatic the role is, my nervous system might need some time to chill out. I always take a little piece of them with me.

What has helped you develop this strong sense of self? 

My parents have been eternally encouraging of me being me. I don’t have any memories of any emotional responses not being allowed; I’ve always felt free to be exactly who I am, which has definitely been the foundation of my sense of self. I’m also lucky to have a wonderful husband who supports me in the same way.

Your feature film, Stories About My Body, recently toured nationwide. How did audiences connect with the work?

It’s been so heartening. There’s no other work I’ve ever made where the response has been so beautiful. People message or talk to me about how it’s affected them, and that’s when I’m able to remember what all this hard work has been for. It’s not just my work; it seems to truly resonate with others. Because the response is so loving and impactful, I think, “Okay, I’ve done something with my life.”

I’m realising that the film and story were definitely from the perspective of a woman in her mid-30s. Now that I’m 41, I can already look back at what I was feeling regarding aging and think, “Oh babe, that’s nothing!” Obviously, there’s so much talk about perimenopause now, which is great to have out in the open, but the hormonal life of being a woman is exhausting; it never seems to let up. If I were still performing the show, I would be adding to it, but that might stretch the meaning too far – from birth to perimenopause – so maybe I need to do a sequel instead!

You’ve been candid about experiencing imposter syndrome while filming The White Lotus. How did you navigate those feelings?

You just have to stay in it. You’re never going to overcome imposter syndrome if you leave the situation. You have to keep feeling it and acknowledge what you’re feeling, and eventually, you will come out the other end. People often ask about The White Lotus, and the general question is usually, “How was it?” which is such a huge question because it was such a cool time, but there were so many layers to it. When I would explain that the shooting side of it was really fun and easy because that’s the bit I knew really well, but the social side and integrating myself into that world I found intimidating – essentially, I hadn’t realised it was just imposter syndrome. But it changed and evolved, and because I was able to stick in there and feel confident about the work I was doing, I was able to evolve, too.

What are you working on next?

I’m currently writing a book that exists in the same realm as Stories About My Body. I’d describe it as a collection of rants, vignettes and funny stories; and there’s a biographical element to it as it follows my body’s journey so far, without being too earnest! I’m also working on a new series for ABC in Adelaide. I’m officially in my "cop era" and playing a police officer again. It involves plenty of physical work which is always fun. On top of that, I’ve got some theatre work on the horizon, too.