Multi-faceted performer Connor Morel grew up in Geelong, where his talent for music, acting and performance was nurtured by the local arts scene.
His career so far has seen him take on musical theatre roles such as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale, co-write songs for award-winning comedy shows and produce and perform his own critically acclaimed works at festivals across Australia and overseas.
But Morel’s newest offering, theatrical rock gig Good Man, blends rock, comedy, theatre and intense self-reflection to create something deeply heartfelt.
The show is centred around Morel’s experience of meeting his father for the very first time.
“I met my dad at a gig when I was 17 – about 12 years ago – and the chance meeting left me with a lot of thoughts,” he said.
“Those thoughts were mostly about the lessons that get passed down to us from our role models, and the choices we get as to whether or not we’re going to take those lessons on or reject them.
“Then, as one grows up and has to be a role model themselves, what does that mean when some of those lessons are a little wacky, or not necessarily the most helpful ones?”
For Morel, engaging with such a personal subject provides both challenge and rewards.
“Every night I do this show I kind of step back into a night that changed my life,” he said.
“The construction of the show analyses the mistakes people have made around me, but mostly the mistakes that I’ve made, which can be difficult.
“But, I get to remind myself of the lessons that I’ve taught myself and been taught every night. And that reminds me that we’re all out in the world just trying our best.”
Morel said the show, which was supported by Geelong Arts Centre (GAC), was a real product of Geelong.
“The story takes place in Geelong, and GAC’s Creative Engine program is the only reason it ever got off the ground,” he said.
“It’s absolutely a product of everything good about the arts scene in Geelong and the community.”
Good Man is at GAC on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets and more information.
