Angus Thompson is a writer and actor whose creative projects have been broadcast on Apple TV, ABC, SBS and YouTube. As an individual born with Cerebral Palsy, Thompson’s storytelling seeks to present a raw and truthful representation of disability in Australian media which does not shy away from pain, loneliness, sex and relationships, sprinkled with some cheeky humour.
In 2020, Thompson was the recipient of the ABC’s Regional Storyteller Scholarship which lead to the production of his first solo project, Terrible Pauly, a series where he reviews everyday household items through a lens of accessibility.
More recently, you may have seen Thompson in the SBS web series, Latecomers, which is an exploration of sexuality, friendship and the frustration of two people with Cerebral Palsy. Thompson co-created the series with Emma Meyers, who also has lived experience with Cerebral Palsy and Nina Oyama, who has experience as a carer. Latecomers recently won the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network Award for it’s ground-breaking storytelling.
In this Colour Box Studio interview, Thompson discusses his upbringing in regional Australia, meeting his long-time collaborator, Nina Oyama, and his hopes and aspirations for the future.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Angus Thompson, I’m a writer/actor known for The Angus Project, Terrible Pauly and Latecomers. I was born with Cerebral Palsy, and for 23 years I have lived in Bathurst, NSW. In 2014 I graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations).
How did you start your creative practice and why?
While studying at university, I met, and quickly became friends with Nina Oyama. During one summer break, Nina and I had nothing happening (like many uni students in their early 20’s), so we hired some film equipment from our university and talked some aspiring film and theatre students into helping us film short episodes Nina had written about her and I getting stoned and causing havoc in the town of Bathurst. Through this, we used our footage to apply for ABC’s Fresh Blood, which led to the creation of my first series The Angus Project.
Where did you grow up and how has it influenced your practice?
I moved from Sydney to Bathurst with my mum and my brother when I was 8 years old and I’ve lived here ever since. I’m currently living in my own house I bought a year and a half ago, which is a really great feeling. Ever since I started school here all those years ago, I have been treated just like everyone else, included in discussions, meetings and events, always feeling comfortable expressing my ideas and opinions. Growing up feeling confident and capable really helped me know that I can succeed in this industry, and it’s been working out pretty well so far.
Tell us about your past creative projects. What has been a highlight so far?
As I mentioned earlier, I created The Angus Project for the ABC with Nina Oyama, and in 2020 I worked with the ABC again, after being one of the recipients of their Regional Storyteller Scholarship, which led to the creation of my solo project Terrible Pauly.
Tell us about your current project?
For my current project Latecomers, I joined forces once again with Nina, along with Emma Myers, who, like me, has Cerebral Palsy. Latecomers is a series on SBS about two strangers with Cerebral Palsy, Frank and Sarah, who on a night out are forced to interact after ending up back at Frank’s place, so their carers can have sex with each other. Conversation quickly turns to their own experiences- or lack thereof with sex, and puts them both on their own path of losing their virginities and discovering what it means to be seen sexually.
Who or what inspires your practice?
I’m inspired by people telling me how much they learn through my work about what people living with a disability aspire to be, it’s still crazy to me that some people aren’t aware that we’re average people, looking for success, love and acceptance just like everyone else.
Where do you feel most creative and why?
I feel most creative around other creatives. I find I am at my best when I have extremely talented people around, and we get to bounce ideas off of one another, achieving a result I couldn’t have dreamt of achieving one my own. The set of Latecomers was truly electric. We all formed such a tight bond on set, which was a huge part of what made the series what it is.
What do you hope audiences take from your work?
I just hope people take away that I’m just a guy, getting through this stage of my life the best way I can. My wants and desires might cloud my judgement at times, but I’ll learn from my mistakes and strive to be better moving forward.
What gets you through creative challenges or tough industry times?
There can be many creative challenges throughout every step for me. I just find joy in people really loving the finished product of what I create and remember in the tough times that it’s all worth it.
What future projects are you looking forward to?
I don’t want to give anything away, but I have a new project in its early stages that I’m very excited about. Stay tuned.
Whose work are you digging at the moment?
Season Three of Ted Lasso is out at the moment and I can’t get enough. If you haven’t seen it, or you’re having a bad day, just binge it and I guarantee you’ll feel so much better.
Where can we find and follow you online?
My Facebook pages is Angus Thompson and my instagram is @angus_thompson1992
You can watch Angus in Latecomers here.