An Evening with Jane Fonda: A Captivating Journey of Reflection and Activism
Last Thursday evening, the air buzzed with anticipation at The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where Hollywood icon, activist, and author Jane Fonda graced the stage for an intimate evening, courtesy of Wanderlust True North and Chemist Warehouse. As an invited guest of Chemist Warehouse, I had the privilege of attending a pre-Q&A session that set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.
From the moment Fonda stepped into the spotlight, I was struck by her magnetic presence. At almost 88 years old, she exudes a vibrant energy that seems to defy time. With interviewee Jessica Rowe guiding the discussion, the evening unfolded as a heartfelt exploration of Fonda’s life, her activism, and her profound insights on the world around us.
The questions posed to Fonda were thoughtful and revealing, delving into her rich tapestry of experiences. It was clear that she is not only a Hollywood legend but also a deeply empathetic soul who has taken the time to reflect on her past. Fonda spoke candidly about her journey, sharing how she has made peace with her experiences, ultimately finding healing through her reflections. Her wisdom, born from years of navigating both personal and societal challenges, resonated deeply with the audience.
Jane said, “I feel younger now in every way that matters than I did when I was 20. My body is falling apart I’ve had cancer and all types of things, but in terms of a sense of wellbeing, in terms of waking up every morning with a glass half full. Well, I wasn’t always like that I used to wake up depressed and that’s not true anymore I feel energetic and young. It’s a question of health and your mind. I wrote a book about ageing, and it helped me get over my fears.”
At the age of 62 Jane said she began to research herself and when she finished the process, she realised she had been brave. Jane advises everyone to get to know themselves and understand what your particular life narrative is it really helps. “If I hadn’t spent a lot of time figuring out what my past had been, and narrative is, then I’d be lost right now.”
Jessica Rowe asks Jane, who are you? Jane says, “I’m proud of myself, I feel the way I started out was, I was ignorant, because I knew that if I found out I would become, and activist and it would take over my life. I’m someone who’s spent a lot of time trying to become better than when I was younger. I wanted to be a better person and I’ve worked really, really hard. I’ve learned that you can actually change. Change the way you feel about events and people and the things that may have hurt you or damaged you. The brain is so plastic that neuro patterns can change so that you react differently to people that you may have hated or been angry at or whatever.
One of the most poignant moments of the evening came when Fonda shifted the conversation towards the urgent issues facing our planet. As a passionate environmentalist, she urged the younger generation to take notice of our deep oceans, vast and beautiful realms that remain perilously unprotected. Her message was clear: if we don’t act now to mitigate gas emissions and protect these vital ecosystems, we risk losing them forever. Fonda’s fervour was infectious, igniting a sense of responsibility among attendees to champion the cause of environmental conservation.
Throughout the evening, Fonda embodied the spirit of a true activist, blending her artistic background with a fierce commitment to social and environmental justice. The intimacy of the setting allowed for a genuine connection, making her words even more impactful. It was a reminder that activism can take many forms, and that each of us has a role to play in shaping a more sustainable future.
For those who purchased tickets to the ‘In conversation with Jane Fonda’ with interviewer Liz Hayes, the evening was not just a chance to hear from a living legend, but an invitation to join her on a journey towards healing our planet. Jane Fonda’s voice is one we need to listen to now more than ever, and her call to action is a powerful reminder that change begins with each of us.
By Melinda Sullivan
Photography by Melinda Sullivan.
For more please visit https://wanderlust.com.au/events/jane-fonda/?srsltid=AfmBOoqHiz0Jt0z_8pulmFWGccEYIvPgwMu88hiFix8ycWJPiqsuL_i0
