It may be central to our way of life, but it's a topic that few of us can discuss without feeling anxious, embarrassed or boastful. We think about it daily, yet it's a conversation killer at a dinner party - whether with friends, family or (gasp!) the in-laws. Money. NY performance artist Sara Juli felt her own relationship with the greenback was so volatile, she needed to create a dance piece around it. The result was The Money Conversation, which opens at The Herald Theatre on 3 October. During the show, she offers cash from her own savings account to the audience. So how does she think New Zealanders will respond? It may be central to our way of life, but it's a topic that few of us can discuss without feeling anxious, embarrassed or boastful. We think about it daily, yet it's a conversation killer at a dinner party - whether with friends, family or (gasp!) the in-laws. Money. NY performance artist Sara Juli felt her own relationship with the greenback was so volatile, she needed to create a dance piece around it. The result was The Money Conversation, which opens at The Herald Theatre on 3 October. During the show, she offers cash from her own savings account to the audience. So how does she think New Zealanders will respond?During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Between 8am-10am - the only time of day that I am able to rehearse.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Abstract yet accessible. I have also been called a Dance Comic, but I'm still deciding what I think about that.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Performing in front of an audience continues to be the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever had. I try and not let it go to my head, and instead use that energy in performance and channel it towards the audience. It's good stuff.

How do you think your environment affects your work?
It's extremely difficult to be creative with a full-time job. I have to constantly remind myself that I'm an artist who creates and performs work.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
The devil's in the details.

What was the catalyst for creating your show The Money Conversation?
Getting engaged and talking about money with my now-husband. At the time, ALL conversations about money made me tense, angry and upset. It was then that I realised I needed to make a dance about money and reassess my relationship to it.

During the show, you offer audience members money from your own bank account. What have you found to be the most common response?
"Thank you."

What's been the biggest challenge for you doing the show?
Losing the money vs. not losing the money. Either way, I'm screwed.

You're from New York. How do you think New Zealand audiences will differ from those in the US?
I've been told that New Zealand audiences don't like audience participation. I'm hoping that turns out to not be the case -

How has the show changed your own relationship with money?
That's a loaded question. It's changed everything yet I still struggle with money every day.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
I recently lost my Dad to cancer. I'm currently working on a new piece called "death and humor".

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
I've often thought that I would be a good shrink.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
New York City - it's who I am.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
The best way to listen to music is by dancing to it - you can hear a lot more that way.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
That's easy: underwear.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Reflexology comes pretty close, although I suppose that's not advice. My Dad always told me, "Don't eat yellow snow", although I suppose that's not stress relieving.

What's your favourite word?
Intense.

What's great about today?
I did four phone interviews with the press about my Australia/New Zealand tour. I love the opportunity to expose my work to others.

Interview by Cass Hesom-Williams

25/9/07