‘Drama is an art of man and life’
Interview with Hong Kong actress Lo Koon Lan
‘Drama is an art of man and life’
Interview with Hong Kong actress Lo Koon Lan
By Jenny Wong
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Miss Lo Koon Lan joined the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre in 1981. She has played in over 30 dramas, including the role
of Xue Baochai in Journey
of the Stone, Olivia in Twelfth Night, and Kam Lu Lu in I Have A Date With Spring. In 1989, Miss Lo was in New York to enrich her knowledge of drama at the Drama Laboratory of the Circle Repertory. While there, she played the role of Mei Ling in Those Inconvenient Sister. In 1988, she was recognized as “Actress of the Year” by the Hong Kong Artists’ Guild. She is now the Principal Actress of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre. |
Q: Can you briefly describe how you became an actress?
A: I was originally a secondary school teacher. However, I was getting tired of it because the students were naughty. In 1981, the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre was recruiting a full time actress. As I was interested in acting, I applied for the job and was recruited by them. I like my job very much.
Q: Was there any gain or loss as you became an actress?
A: I gained a lot. Drama is indeed an art of man and life. Drama allows me to be more involved in life and understand the meaning of it. However, some artists may escape from reality through various kinds of art. I myself also went through a period of confusion. What I have lost is time, the normal way of living and mutual understanding with some of my friends.
Q: How does acting mean to you?
A: At the beginning, acting was my interest. Now, it has become my profession. As long as I have the ability to act, I would not give up my profession. All of my goals are related to drama and theatre. I consider acting and everything about drama as my life career.
Q: Can you describe how you feel when you are standing on the stage facing so many people in the audience?
A: I have no special feeling. When I am acting, I am no longer myself. My feeling is in fact the feeling of the characters. There is no room for me to think of others.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a character so much that it confused your personal life and feeling?
A: I must merge myself with the characters to some extent in order to play well. Thus, I have to be influenced by the characters. The underlying philosophy of the plays sometimes even influences my perspective of life. This becomes valuable treasure for the rest of my life. However, a professional actor should not let his previous characters influence his acting in the next one.
Q: Can you name one most unforgettable character that you have played? Why?
A: Actually, I love and miss all characters that I have put effort in. Some of the examples are Nina in The Seagull, the Stepdaughter in Six Characters in Search of An Author, Constanze in Amadeus, and Aase in Peer Gynt.
Q: You have played in drama, movies and also TV programs. Which is your favourite?
A: Acting on the stage is always my favourite. The stage really gives me a lot. Nevertheless, I earn the least in playing drama. To play in movies and TV programmes is also interesting, but it is like having fast food because of the tight schedule.
Q: Which do you like better — actress or director?
A: Actress. The nature of being a director and an actress is totally different. Frankly, I am not yet qualified to be a good director.
Q: What does the “Actress of the Year” award by the Hong Kong Artists’ Guild mean to you?
A: I felt very happy when I knew I was awarded that. In fact, it’s not my award only, but an award for the whole profession. The meaning of this award is great as it symbolizes that the whole profession is being recognized by others. It gives hope for others who work hard in this profession.
Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: To a certain extent, I am a self-contradictory person. My cognitive self is rather complicated. I am also an emotional person. In fact, to be emotional is a basic requirement of being an actor, but it may harm oneself. Thus, actors must know how to balance themselves and find suitable ways to release their emotions and tension. I am simple and naive as I always think people must trust one another.
Q: Do you have any goals?
A: To try my best as a good actress is my current goal. However, everyone will get old. I am now planning for what I have to do when I am no longer able to play on the stage. I hope I can share my acting experience with other actors. Besides, acting can help one discover oneself and understand more about relations among people. Thus, I would share all I have learned from drama with others. I want to set up workshops or a studio for these purposes. I also want to develop drama therapy in Hong Kong.
