David Gilmour

Friday morning.  I rise at the unconscionable hour of nine a.m. for a return engagement at the Waterfront Theatre.  Running late as usual so decide to drive even though it’s just a ten minute walk to the island.  I think, oh yeah, bound to be pretty quiet down there this time of day, parking, which often is, won’t be a problem.  Maybe a few tumbleweeds of rain blowing down Cartwright Street but yeah, we got this whole thing under control.  Wrong.  The joint is crawling with traffic.  Now I’m thinking, a bit frantically, “What did you expect?  What did you expect?”  I circle round in a crush of cars and pedestrians and veer off to check out my secret parking place.  Luck is with me and it’s empty.  I snug in and get to the theatre.  Things are in fact running a bit late.  It’s not a sell-out, but close.

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The Proust Questionnaire is believed to reveal an individual’s true nature. We have asked 2011 Festival authors 17 questions inspired by the questionnaire in an attempt to uncover who they are…

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To be rid of old vendettas and peevish, competitive impulses.

What does your ideal day look like?
Sitting on the porch with my son and then going out to dinner with my wife.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Eating nightly in restaurants.

What possession would you be heartbroken if you lost?
My office at U of T.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Irrational hatreds and a desire for revenge.

What childhood fear has followed you into adulthood?
Bad smells and depressing sounds.

Do you take comfort in darkness or light?
Darkness

Do you remember your dreams?
Yes

How do you collect snippets of observations and ideas that come to you unexpectedly?Usually they come in the shower or the bathroom with the sound of running water so I try and keep paper nearby.

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