You’re no stranger to the local theatre scene. Are you seeing plenty of quality local playwrights like Jean Tay these days?
There are a whole new generation that are breaking out but they need more time and mentoring and encouragement. I am heartened by those I have worked with; recently I directed two winners of Theatreworks’ 24-Hour Playwriting Competition who were 15 and 16 years old respectively at the time they won and the audiences were surprised at the level of sophistication and achievement of the plays. I am also workshopping new plays with a group of young playwrights that are being mentored by veterans like Chong Tze Chien and Huzir Sulaiman and they are producing exciting work. All these bodes well for the future.
What do you think of the title’s recent adoption as an “O” Level literature text in schools?
It’s fantastic. This play has so much to offer. Its achievement is enormous! A gripping story that is accessible, its storytelling is complex: allowing the play to unfold in an easy to follow manner, yet allows the audience to experience the expansion and collapse of time with many themes and worlds; physical, emotional and intellectual!
What are some of your own quirks?
Quirks? Everybody has them. I think a lot or sometimes, I don’t think and just jump in to play and have the most fun. I just try to be as instinctive, yet aware of what happens and what to go for, which might seem like a contradiction. But actors have to function on multiple levels. As long as the environment is safe I am willing to try anything.
The cast is one with a mix of veterans and young ones. How do you cope with them?
Sure it’s amusing for me to say the least. Sometimes when I explain things I have to use metaphors and names that are as unfamiliar to me as my references are to them—like swopping Joni Mitchell for Taylor Swift, Frank Sinatra for Adam Lambert, Steven Spielberg for Chris Nolan, Robinson’s departmental store for Uniqlo, cold calling for social media. I love it because it keeps me on my toes and keeps me current!
How do you unwind after a long day of rehearsals?
I unwind by travelling, taking photographs and playing tennis. I love catching up with friends as I don’t see enough of them during intense periods of work.
What advice do you have for aspiring local actors?
Be sure this is what you really want to do; it’s not easy or glamorous! Once you do, then fill yourself up with as much knowledge and culture as you can, both in terms of training and studying in many fields that are related to art, performance, music, literature, cinema, architecture and philosophy. An actor must be an athlete of physical, emotional and intellectual dimensions.
