Sunday, August 27, 2006

Comprehend - TVB 473 Louisa So Interview


TVB 473 TVB 473



TVB 473 TVB 473

Last year, Louisa played a brain cancer victim in the musical Superman Forever, willingly shedding what women consider their second life, shaving her tresses of hair.

This year, she played missing for a month, going to USA for acting workshops, while at the same time attending theatre performances.

However this "Drama Fanatic" stands her ground, "Drama is not as important to me as one may think. In actual fact, I can not do drama at any time."

This misunderstanding is because Louisa is serious about doing things, and aims for perfection. Stepping onto the stage, she has been garnered with various awards, and has expanded her horizons, travelling the world for her acting profession. For this interview she went to the boutique to select her clothes, borrowing five sets and in the end only selecting two that were worthy of appearing on screen, this reflecting her attitude. "That's why nine out of ten people think I am a Virgo, seeking perfection, but actually, I am a hardworking, stable Taurus, well suited to an open-minded, easy-going Leo."

One is able to find the strengths of three star signs from Louisa because she understands the right attitude to life "Work Hard, Play Hard."

Happiness from poverty

Living in poverty in my childhood years has made me learn to cherish.

My family with almost 10 members crammed into a housing commission flat, my parents working to earn a living. My mum was working on a construction site when she was "carrying" me, and she was working, like usual, even on the day she gave birth to me. It was not until she finished work and was about to get on the bus, where the bus driver refused to let her on the bus, that she realised her water broke, and immediately walked to the hospital to give birth. Maybe it is because while my mum was carrying me, she was working tirelessly, that this gave me strength even before I was born, and so like her, we are both very healthy.

Not growing up in a rich family, I have been responsible since I was little, and was a well-mannered child not saying a word. I still remember the days when I was in primary school, where I would hold my two younger brothers hands with both of my hands, and go to the market to buy groceries to make dinner.

Life was crowded but happy, I understand what I have today has not been easy to obtain, requiring hard work, and dedication, to gain the good results. I have given so I can peacefully say that it is deserved, and when I sleep at night it is especially fragrant and sweet.

I have always been the model student in school, receiving acting awards and today's television industry success. Not through connections or favours, but through a tough battle.

I do not describe myself as a gifted artist, so I have put in large amounts of hard work, tirelessly training, and in regards to the results, I won't be embarrassed or humble. A great amount of people will association me with drama, not only am I thankful, but it proves I am really a person passionate about acting. Of course when there are occasions where I can play, I will play to the extreme, like when I go on game shows, I will play like crazy.

To have an enjoying lifestyle, find the meaning of life, there are actually so many aspects of life truly worthy of enjoyment.

Essentials left unscathed

My family think that I am way too pure. My sister called me earlier on the phone urging me to be careful not let people use me.

This came after an incident in America where I met this friend who had really nice teeth. He said that he was born with teeth, and has changed his teeth more than twice, even if they fall out, they will automatically grow back. I really believed him, and was not only envious but praised and said "Wah! So unique, I really haven't met anyone like that. It was not until my family were suspicious that this friend was toying with me, that I realised his intentions. But this is bad, and I didn't lose anything, instead I am happy, I can meet this special person. Even if he teases me in front of others, I won't lose out.

Each incident has a "true side." I once worked with another artist who didn't have such a good image, a lot of people would chase me about it. "How are they? It seems they are not that nice." But during our encounter, he treated me well, and played his character well, and we could interact normally, and our friendship and working relationship was comfortable and natural.

I can adjust my own perspective, and I don't need to listen to what others say, because I have eyes, ears and judgement.

Even if I was hurt, I would be like the computer with a delete button, deleting it with one push of the button, like as if nothing has happened. Once I was hurt by a very dear friend using the most cruel method. I was very hurt, very upset, but I chose to forgive him, letting go. Actually I need to thank him for teaching me how to look after friendships. Actually I need a shield to protect myself. When certain things happen, I need to be vigilant.


I can stop acting anytime

A lot of people like asking me: "If you weren't an actress what would you do?" This question is really hard to answer...

From my point of view I can stop acting at anytime, and there was a time when I was really exhausted, so exhausted I wanted to give up, but that was just instantaneous, after I slept on it, the next day I went to work as usual. Exhaustion is a good thing, at least you know that people still want to use you. In fact, busy or not, I don't think that is important, since life is full of ups and downs.

My trip to America gave me insight, and I hope that I can experience the lifestyles of different counties. Besides visiting the tourist attractions, I want to experience the different atmosphere (culture), lifestyle and ideologies.

In New York I found that there were many expectant white women that were dressed super trendy and sexy, and apart from being pregnant they were pushing another baby (stroller). But I can feel that they are really enjoying life, as well as having faith in the future of our society. They are young yet have decided to create a large family.

Can this happen in Hong Kong? Everyone does not want to marry, let alone have children, and are only concerned with earning more money, and have calculated that they do not have enough money to have children, and are really only concerned with paying off the house first.

While I was in those relaxed surroundings, I was thinking that I can also be like those expectant mothers, and give up everything now, and go travelling or marry, have children, and only need to wait for that moment to come, I will feel it, I don't need to plan ahead, because life is full of changes, and possibilities.

I only need to still exist, and then continue living well."

Image credits: Louisa Square

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