Meet 27-year-old Singaporean actress Louisa Vilinne who plays alternate Kim in Miss Saigon. While the starring role is mostly played by Filipino-Australian actress Abigail Adriano (Vilinne steps in on occasions when Adriano is unavailable), she is no second fiddle. The story of a young Vietnamese bar girl who struggles for a better life against the backdrop of the Vietnam War hits home for the rising star. Vilinne, who makes her professional musical debut in this production, reveals how Miss Saigon has resonated with her, what she learnt about playing the lead, and shares her journey to becoming an actor.
What is it like to be in an international Broadway musical as compared to a local one?
The travel benefits of an international touring musical are great, but I miss living in my own place, as well as my friends and family during a local touring musical.
What’s one interesting thing you’ve learnt about your character and/or the musical?
There is no character villain in this show — everyone truly believes they are doing the best thing for themselves and for others. In my opinion, the true villain in this show is war.
How did you prepare for the role?
Apart from learning the score, I spent many hours learning about the Vietnam war through documentaries. After that, I read memoirs and fiction novels written by Vietnamese women about their experience living in Saigon during the war to help create a rich, fictional backstory for Kim. When Heaven and Earth Changed Places by Le Ly Hayslip was my favourite memoir and extremely useful in understanding both Northern and Southern perspectives of the war.
Any memorable backstage moments?
When I first met the four-year-old Singaporean child actors for Tam, we talked about which neighbourhoods we lived in. I said I lived in Ang Mo Kio, one Tam said “Red Hill”, and the next Tam looked confused for a moment, before saying “I live in Purple Hill”. I laughed so hard and the Tams started laughing too. I texted my little sister about this afterwards and she responded “Maybe they mean Lavender?” So I asked their mother after a show one day – they do not live in Lavender.
Given that the story is much closer to home (set in Asia), how has the musical resonated with you?
One of the main themes of this show that resonates deeply with me is the quest for a better life that requires leaving your home country. As a “three-time immigrant”– my great-grandparents moved from China to Indonesia for a better life in 1930s, my parents moved from Jakarta to Singapore to escape political unrest in the 90s, and I moved to Australia in 2019 for a shot at my dream of becoming an actor – I am eternally grateful for all the sacrifice my parents and ancestors had to make so that I can chase my dreams today.
What do you hope audiences will take away from watching the musical?
I hope the audiences have a wonderful night watching the musical and hopefully leave the theatre feeling grateful for the lives they lead.
Miss Saigon is currently playing at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands until Sep 29, 2024. Buy tickets here.
