American director Timothy Bond is in Cape Town for the production of The Brothers Size at the Baxter Theatre.
He has worked in theatres around the world and at the Vienna Festival as assistant director to Peter Sellars for the world premiere of The Death of Klinghoffer. He was adjudicator for the Chinese Universities Shakespeare Festival and has 25 years’ experience in leading regional theatres throughout the US. Most recently, he served for 11 years as associate artistic director of the famed Oregon Shakespeare Festival where he directed 12 productions, including works by Shakespeare, August Wilson, Suzan-Lori Parks, Edward Albee, Lorraine Hansberry, Lynn Nottage and Octavio Soliz.
Where was your favourite
holiday abroad?
I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to 20 different countries and now I can include South Africa on that list. They include China, Belgium, Austria, Canada, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia.
Your favourite experience on a holiday?
My favourite time abroad was the six months I spent in Europe as assistant director of the world premier of Peter Sellars’s opera The Death of Klinghoffer and on holiday with my wife Nancy.
Other highlights include body surfing in Hawaii on eight- to 10-foot waves (2.4m to 3m).
Your worst experience?
I was caught in a flash flood in a rain forest valley in Puerto Rico with my wife and two children three years ago and had to be rescued. I stayed quite calm throughout but it was a treacherous experience.
Your favourite place to have sundowners ?
It’s hard to beat sipping a Mai Tai as you watch the sun dip into the Pacific Ocean off the Kona coast of Hawaii.
What do you avoid during a holiday?
The one thing I avoid with a passion is buying touristy crap.
Best meals abroad?
I really enjoy sushi and Indian food. But, for me, I would say it has to be an exquisite sushi dinner in one of Japan’s premier restaurants. Bukhara here in Cape Town is pretty good as well.
Ideal travelling companion?
My wife loves hiking in nature, museums, swimming and exploring distant cultures.
She is also much better organised than I am and a consummate navigator.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I am equal parts art, music, food explorer and outdoor adventure addict. I love to find any kind of mineral baths, hot springs or spa experiences available.
Holiday reading?
Without a doubt it is Paulo Coelho’s book The Alchemist which is ultimately about a journey and finding one’s own destiny and, interestingly, the play The Brothers Size shares those same themes – journey and destiny.
Favourite drive?
The road around the foot of Table Mountain that hugs the coastline from the Atlantic to False Bay was the most stunningly beautiful drive I have ever experienced.
Dream trip?
I am dreaming of travelling to the Greek Islands some day.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer can you share some tips?
I can highly recommend you tie something bright and unique on to your suitcase when checking it in so that it is easily recognisable, and won’t be mistaken for anyone else’s luggage.
Where next?
My first safari will be outside Port Elizabeth which I will do with my family once The Brothers Size has opened here in Cape Town.I will be joined by my wife Nancy, son Travis and daughter Marcea. - Weekend Argus