Lockdown life: Theatre performer Zoe Gertz says arts industry needs more support

Less than two months ago, Zoe Gertz was on stage in Sydney performing Come From Away to packed audiences. But the lockdown shut them down. And like so many working in the arts industry, she says she feels invisible.

We speak to well-known Sydney identities to see how they are dealing with the extended lockdown.

Less than two months ago, Zoe Gertz was on stage in Sydney performing Come From Away to packed audiences, revelling in the joy of standing ovations and a hunger for live theatre.

But since June 25 she’s been stood down with no pay, shut into lockdown along with the rest of Sydney. And she, like so many working in the arts industry, feels invisible.

(Below media personality Sami Lukis talks about her experience living alone and in isolation, and Joanna Burgess reveals how she coped in hotel quarantine with her two daughters, while her NRL playing husband George is with their son).

Zoe Gertz

How are you coping in lockdown?

It varies. One minute I’ll feel very in control of my emotions, almost obnoxiously laid-back about everything. Then the next minute I’ll need to have a big cathartic cry and wallow in the helplessness of it all. It’s a rollercoaster!

Since Covid hit and the theatres all shut down in March 2020, this is the fourth time I’ve been happily performing, then suddenly in lockdown, not 100 per cent sure when I’ll be back at work.

Come From Away star Zoe Gertz with her dog during lockdown.

On the one hand I’m able to tell myself I know what I have to do to get through this, but on the other hand – I feel like my industry is experiencing a sort of collective PTSD.

You lived through this in Melbourne last year. Did going through that help prepare you for this?

Don’t watch the press conference every morning. If you want the numbers, fine, but switch off the TV if you think it’s affecting you negatively. Focus on the things that are within your control – staying healthy, wearing a mask whenever you’re out, getting vaccinated. And learn to say no to things that are harmful to your mental health.

Can’t cope with the idea of another Zoom catch-up because it feels like a huge reminder that you can’t see anyone in the flesh? That’s OK. Don’t be afraid to tell people what you need.

What about your colleagues? How do they get through this one?

My colleagues don’t need advice right now, they need help. Not everyone has access to the Disaster Relief Payment, and the few that do, have seen that payment end in various parts of the country when lockdown is ‘over’, despite restrictions preventing them from being able to go back to work.

When the lockdowns lift it can take weeks for theatres to re-open due to social-distancing rules. I honestly don’t know how some people are financially surviving right now.

Luckily, we have been able to access the Covid disaster payment since mid-July, but the delays to people being paid by Centrelink meant it was over a month before we received any money.

Zoe Gertz and husband Phillip Lowe on one of their exercise outings.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Feeling invisible. My industry employs more people than mining, injects more money into the economy than sports, so why are we constantly left behind? Feeling a lack of empathy from people who are experiencing this pandemic as a ‘social inconvenience’.

Finding the word ‘essential’ triggering. Feeling like life is on hold. Plans getting pushed further and further back. Wondering if when all of this is over, will I be too old, too financially unstable to ever entertain the notion of having a child.

Wishing the days would go faster, but wanting the time back that’s been stolen from all of us.

How can we support the arts?

If people want to help the arts, buying a ticket for a show is a great way to ensure that we’ll have work to go to when all of this is over.

Your silver linings?

I love where I live, I’m home with my husband (fellow Come From Away performer Phillip Lowe), unlike many of my cast mates who are separated from their partners due to border closures, I’m getting daily cuddles from our dog Banjo, we’re all healthy, in the grand scheme of things – there’s a lot to be grateful for.

What are you reading?

Your Own Kind of Girl by Clare Bowditch.

Zoe Gertz and Phillip Lowe are binge watching Marvel movies.

What are you bingeing?

As of three nights ago, I had never seen a single Marvel movie, so Phillip and I decided we’d watch the most recent ones in order of their release date, starting with Iron Man.

We watch one or two after dinner, with ice cream and microwave popcorn, and geek out over the ways the characters’ storylines all cross over. It’s pure escapism, yet I’m finding so much comfort in the sense of camaraderie you feel from the cast up on screen. It makes me miss my colleagues.

What is next on your list?

I’m a couple of episodes into Hacks – give Jean Smart all of the awards immediately. I’m also looking forward to reading The Chiffon Trenches – a memoir by Andre Leon Talley.

What are you listening to?

I’m keeping my podcasts joyful and fun these days. Some of my current favourites are Even The Rich, Brenda, Call Me and The Spill. If I need to dance around the house, Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia is my current go-to, and singing in the shower is a rotating world of the IHeartRadio Broadway station and anything Disney.

Gertz is growing some flowers and herbs.

Your go-to exercise/escape?

I’ll go for a run if I need an endorphin hit. Other than that, exercise has felt harder this lockdown. I think it’s because I’m used to working and using my body in a way that is purposeful.

I train to get my fitness up so that I can achieve physically demanding things on stage. Now, exercise is purely for my mental health.

Have you done anything new?

We live in an apartment with a nice balcony, so I’ve planted geraniums, all different colours along the front rail. I’m also growing some mint, basil and rosemary so I can live out my River Cottage fantasies.

I’ve also purchased my first lockdown puzzle and ‘sparkle art’ kit. Things that require repetition and allow me to almost end up in a meditative state are great for me right now.

Zoe Gertz discovered sparkle art kits.

What (or who) are you missing most?

My family. I have a new nephew, Noah. I got to meet him when he was born, just before opening night of Come From Away in Sydney, then my days were full of work. Noah is now 11 weeks old and I feel like I’m missing out on so much special Aunty Zozo time.

What was the last thing you cooked?

There is so much comfort-cooking happening in our household. Phillip makes bread, and I slow cook things in lots of wine until they become a warming, ragu-like experiment. I’m also a sucker for a TikTok recipe craze. That baked feta pasta has made a couple of appearances.

Favourite cocktail or drink through lockdown?

My husband makes a mean gin martini. Three olives. I’m making a conscious effort though to only indulge two to three times a week.

There is a lot of baking going on in their household.

What is the key to staying positive and surviving lockdown (mostly) smiling?

To be honest, I haven’t been smiling much lately. I feel angry, and resentful of people who break the rules. Daily, I see people gathering at parks, not wearing masks, not socially distancing, acting like a pandemic is a social inconvenience.

I feel let down by our politicians, and sadly unsurprised by their lack of empathy towards our industry.

To anyone feeling isolated and scared it feels hard, because IT IS. Just a few months ago, the world was looking to us for hope, for signs of what life could be like on the other side of this. I have to choose to believe that we’ll get back to that, it’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.

When we can travel again – where is the first place you’ll go?

I will be flying to Paris and eating beef tartare daily, followed by my body weight in cheese, washed down with buckets of vintage champagne. Nothing too extravagant.

Sami Lukis

How are you coping through lockdown?

I’ve always been pretty comfortable with my own company so I seem to cope quite well in lockdown. Although I have noticed that I’m talking to my dog a little more than usual these days. I guess I’ll start to worry if she starts answering back.

Sami Lukis is locked down at her Sydney unit.

We’re all experienced lock-downers by now, but this time I think there’s just an overwhelming sense of anxiety, wondering if life will ever get back to normal. But I have felt more supported by friends and loved ones this time round.

I think people in general have become more sympathetic to the emotional challenges for single people who live alone during these extended periods of isolation.

More friends and neighbours have reached out to me during this lockdown – by either dropping off care packages or just calling or messaging to check in and say hi and see how I’m going. Also, the single bubble couldn’t come soon enough. It’s going to make a huge difference for so many people.

What has been the biggest change to your life in the past five weeks?

The biggest change for me has actually been being here in Sydney, because I’m usually in New York at this time of year, hosting my New York With Sami summer tours.

I created my travel business just over a decade ago, hosting gorgeous getaways in New York for Aussie women. I host two to three summer tours and at least one winter tour each year. I’ve already had to cancel seven New York tours since the pandemic started, so there’s a huge Big Apple-sized hole in my life at the moment.

I was hoping to pivot the business and host local tours instead, but the ongoing domestic border closures have made it impossible. I’m prepped and ready to go with tours in Tassie, Western Australia and South Australia – but I just think it’s still too risky to offer any interstate tours.

Your silver lining?

Spending quality time with my dog, Lolli. She’s almost 15 and has been really unwell, so I’m appreciative of every moment I can spend with her. I also feel incredibly relieved to be fully vaccinated. And I’m just really grateful to have my health, a roof over my head and the ability to put food on my table.

Sami Lukis is happy to spend some time with her 15-year-old dog, Lolli.

When we can travel again – where is the first place you’ll go?

New York. Of course. I’m having massive withdrawals.

What are you reading?

The news. I’m a news junkie. I’m glued to online news sites and I watch every news bulletin and press conference I possibly can. Although, I’m starting to feel like I should limit my exposure to the news, because it’s become way too depressing.

What are you bingeing?

I’m obsessed with nordic noir. If it has a serial killer and a snowy landscape, I’ll lie in bed watching it until the early hours of the morning. My favourite so far has been a French series, The Bureau, about the French Secret Service. It’s five seasons of brilliance. I don’t actually know how I’ll cope if they don’t make a sixth series.

And the Olympics.

At first, I thought it was ridiculous that the Olympics were going ahead, but now I’m so happy they did. It’s been a welcome distraction from all the Covid-anxiety.

What is next on your list?

I’m going full trash this weekend. My bestie is coming to join me in my single bubble and we’re going to drink champagne and watch Love Is Blind After The Altar. And I CANNOT WAIT.

Lukis said she will head to New York again as soon as the borders open up.

What are you listening to? Any podcasts, songs or playlists that lift your mood?

I’ve taken advantage of the time stuck at home to record and edit a bunch of new episodes for my own podcast – Romantically Challenged.

There are some wonderful episodes coming up, including a fantastic chat with my therapist Rachel Voysey from The Relationship Room in Balmain about lockdown tips for singles, and a really beautiful chat with my old friend and Nova 969 colleague Bianca Dye, about how she’s coping with her newly single life.

What is your go-to exercise/escape?

This pandemic has inspired me to rediscover my love of golf. I hadn’t picked up a club for years but I started playing again last year during lockdown and now I play at least once or twice a week.

I love the challenge and the opportunity to just get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air … and if you’re wondering what my handicap is … it’s my putting.

Lukis rediscovered her love of golf in lockdown.

Have you done anything new?

I’ve joined a weekly Zoom pilates class during this lockdown. It gets me off the couch (in my active wear) – and on to the yoga mat on the floor (in my active wear).

What (or who) are you missing most in Sydney’s lockdown?

My parents, who live in Brisbane. They were due to visit a few weeks ago but had to cancel their trip (again – for the fourth time!). Every single time they book a trip to come visit me in Sydney, we go into lockdown.

Honestly, the timing is uncanny. I’m actually starting to wonder if I can predict the next Sydney lockdown based on my parents’ travel itinerary.

Are you eating your way through?

I don’t cook. Like, at all. However I am enjoying working my way through the prepared meals section of my local Harris Farm. I also feel less guilty ordering in at the moment, because it’s giving me the opportunity to support some of my favourite local restaurants.

Friends and family have reached out to Lukis during lockdown.

Lukis can't wait to return to her happy place – New York.

Favourite drink through lockdown?

My go-to is a trusty G&T . Although I have also been perfecting my Vesper Martini during this lockdown. I just feel like the Vesper Martini brings the touch of glamour I need in my life right now.

What is the key to staying positive and surviving lockdown (mostly) smiling?

I’m finding unexpected joy in cleaning … my fridge, my oven, my bathroom grout, my wardrobe. Who knew?

Any advice to those who may feel isolated, fearful?

Get vaccinated! As far as I can see, that’s the best way out of this mess.

@samilukis; Sami Lukis Tours: samilukis.com

Lockdown with Joanna Burgess: Keep calm and FaceTime

Two weeks of hotel quarantine alone with two kids under two has been challenging for Joanna Burgess – but nothing a lot of FaceTime, cubby house building and girly manicures couldn’t fix.

The wife of Burgess brother George, who has signed a two-year contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons, says a positive attitude changed everything.

The couple and their three children are back home in Sydney after two years in the UK, where Joanna and George both contracted Covid.

Joanna Burgess and daughters Blainey and Birdie flew back to Sydney from the UK. Picture: Supplied

Separated due to flight logistics, Joanna travelled alone with daughters Birdie, who turns three next month, and Blainey, who celebrated her second birthday in lockdown this week.

They get out of quarantine on Sunday, August 1. Here’s what got her through:

How are you coping in hotel quarantine, alone with two toddlers?

We have had LOTS of practice. We spent 18 months in UK lockdowns with restrictions and masks. We also had to go through a two-week self-isolation with the kids when both my husband and I contracted Covid-19. So being here with my two healthy girls feels normal.

I know a lot of other parents are having to home school, work and parent all at the same time … now that would be a tough gig.

Joanna Burgess gets some much-needed sunshine during quarantine. Picture: Supplied

What was Covid like?

For me it felt like a horrible head cold that lasted a few days. George was worse than I was, and he found it difficult to breathe at one point. We had a doctor come out to our house dressed in a fully covered medical body suit.

They checked George’s oxygen levels and completed a few tests. Our children never caught the virus from us, but it was a little scary because I thought if we got seriously ill or were hospitalised, where would our children go? We are all fit, healthy, happy and Covid-free now.

What has been the hardest part of quarantine?

Being away from my husband and our son Boston.

FaceTime with George and Boston. Picture: Supplied

Blainey celebrated her second birthday in lockdown. Picture: Supplied

Outfit repeat?

A rotation of By Boehm lounge set and an over-size 4B Tee.

What are you bingeing?

Anything interiors or house renovations related is a guilty pleasure of mine, between cartoons.

What is the last thing you listened to?

If the girls see me on my phone they all of a sudden get super needy so I walk around with my earphones in listening to the Mamamia Out Loud podcast while tidying or cleaning in the morning – it’s my little escape.

What do you do for some ‘me time’?

I FaceTime the hubby for the hundredth time that day and my close friends. I received a self-love box from my best friend – so it is nice to jump in the bath and soak in the beautiful products and then slip on her luxury PJs.

The Burgess girls keep entertained. Picture: Supplied

Are you eating your way through lockdown?

All the way through! The delivery of meals is something we look forward to. I had planned to be super healthy during the two weeks, but I have indulged in the daily desserts and snacking all day long. I’ll start my health kick when I’m out of quarantine.

Is there anything you couldn’t have done without?

My phone. FaceTiming, scrolling through home interiors and researching. Also the support of family and friends, my mother in-law Julie has been dropping toys and books and extra food off to our separate hotels.

Hotel quarantine food. Picture: Supplied

Blainey and Birdie at their Sydney hotel.

How do you stay upbeat for the kids?

I feel it’s harder on the girls than it is me and it’s important for them to have a positive and fun experience. It’s all about being there for them. A few deep breaths helps and an ‘I’ve got this, get on with it’ attitude.

How do you keep the girls entertained and happy?

It’s the small things, and involving them in everything I do – like our meals get delivered in big brown bags so they love to help unpack and put everything away, then use the bags to draw on.

They help me hang the washing, draw on the shower screen with white board markers, have rose petal baths, FaceTiming Daddy, necklace making, utensils in the bath … you name it, we’ve done it!

What advice would you give to people going through lockdown with young children?

Top of the list to feel connected to people and the outside world, so LOTS of FaceTime. I talk to my children, be there for them, listen and keep calm. Routine has also worked well for us.

But also don’t be too hard on yourself, we find ourselves eating dinner for brekkie and brekkie for lunch … just go with the flow of the day.