Thoughts.

The world has been plunged into an unprecedented state of turmoil. There is no way we can remain indifferent to the evils that have cast their long shadows across the lives of too many innocent civilians, who have all but lost their right to live in peace, prosperity and in pursuit of happiness. How hollow those words must sound to the citizens of war-torn countries and precincts all over the world, and even as we look to those in power to do the right thing, there is a point in which we learn that we have always been the change we needed. 

As actors, we tread a fine line between superfluous performative activism - given that so much of our work is performance in itself - and a genuine stake in the future of our society, both as artists and as global citizens. It can be easy to remain silent. After all, that's exactly what some elements of society want us to do: Just act and make art, and be grateful that you have that privilege. It is safe and comfortable to divorce yourself from reality when the outcomes are seemingly inconsequential to us as individuals. Speaking out comes at a price, and many of my actor friends have stated that they do not wish to comment on political matters out of a fear of backlash. However, I struggle to adopt such a neutralist position because in my eyes, neutrality is to take the side of the oppressor. I have always pushed for the right thing even before I committed to a life and career in the performing arts, and that shall not change regardless of where I land as an actor.

This summer, I have made some moves I never thought I could make this early into my career. Now is definitely too soon to speculate about how big this production this might be, but safe to say - we are a multi-episodic production destined for public circulation, and I do believe in our potential to create a new franchise out of this exciting new universe. It has come as a surprise but a welcome one (you can tell I'm listening to the Star Wars album at time of writing), and I am grateful to have this opportunity to act at all. I am fully aware that I will be working with a small crew and taking on multiple roles. As of now, I already handle screenwriting, story and character design planning, post-production, marketing - on top of my role as a series regular actor. Yet that is what truly excites me as a storyteller, to have so much creative input in anything at all gives me the energy to push forward and keep going.

There is always so much to do as an actor. With all the tiny little things waiting to be organized and executed, plus my concurrent lives as a full-time student and freelancer, things can get out of hand at times. My planning is certainly not perfect either, I could use a planner or two! But with the constant financial strain on my mind, I am definitely worried about just how many more months of vocal lessons ($400/month) I can afford before my bank account dries up. At the same time, I still have to pay off $250 for the acting intensive coming up in September. So if someone were to ask me to tell them honestly how the acting is going at the moment, my honest response is, "I'm doing whatever it takes to not crash and burn." It does not look like it on the surface. Everyone tries to look like they're not a complete mess if they can, and I hope I can keep that illusion up until help arrives.

The rest of the summer has been going great - core classes are confirmed for AY22/23, and it's going to be so much fun. I can't wait to share more about everything that is happening in acting. I have a feeling that 2022 is the year. Also... got a yes from Glasgow (with their undergraduate scholarship lol), but it doesn't matter anymore. I'm staying here in NUS where the fees are in my favor, and then my next stop post-graduation is London. Thank goodness for university-based visas.

And that's about it for now! Thanks for catching my mid-year update. Till next time.