Whether it's the theatre world or the television circle, early on, the quality of Louisa's acting has always been guaranteed. This week we head into the finale week of Men In Pain. Her acting is not overbearing, and is dignified.
For this lead actress in the theatre world, her acting philosophy is actually based on this attitude: "Theatre is also called play, which means you have to have the point of view of playing. If you are not craving to act, or are not happy when acting, the audience can see it." She has a relaxed mood when dealing with serious issues. These are the boundaries in which she pursues life.
Having just enjoyed a month long break in New York, and not long after returning to HK, Louisa was promoting Men In Pain and doing interviews. Even though the schedule is tight, she has recharged her batteries, and her spirit is glowing.
She says that when Men In Pain just started airing, she was still in America, and when she returned she asked to borrow the videos from her friends to watch the first few episodes, and asked her family to see what others thought of the series. "Television hardly has series of this type of genre, and some of the subjects including sex life are truly quite sensitive. We chose farce method acting to deal with these issues, which can dilute this sensitivity. In the beginning the audience may not be used to it, but looking at it now it seems that they have accepted the tone of the series."
Getting stronger when meeting strong
Comedy depends on the artists and how they control the rhythm which is matched with their energy. This time, there is definitely sparks between Louisa So and Damian Lau. Earlier, both worked together in The Awakening Story. Louisa says she sees chemistry again between them. They discussed and planned how to bring out the comedy in many of their arguing scenes and bedroom scenes (like the scene where she tempts her husband).
"When you act and don't have confidence in your partner, the feeling won't be comfortable, and you will easily give up, thinking [whatever... let's not discuss it.] This time, we did not give up in any of the scenes. Everyone had a strong sense of originality. I'm a person who gets stronger when I meet someone stronger. The two months of filming were stimulating, like a feeling of learning the new moves."
Without doubt, having the opportunity to act in a series of this genre is a challenge for an actor, and strictly speaking, this is Louisa's first series since joining TVB in 1995 in which she is the lead actress in a big budget series. This time she was invited by producer Poon Ka Tak to work together on this series. Actually, Poon already saw her perform while she was studying at HKAPA, and he has watched all her recent musical performances.
"At the time when I moved from the drama circle into the television industry, when I was still a nobody, he was the one who picked me to play Gigi in DIF 1. At the time people didn't believe I was the sentimental Fung Ping in I Have a Date with Spring. He was one who could see my acting ability, and my flexibility. He was also the producer who believed I could control this role, I am indeed grateful to him."
Learning from the expert
Ever since joining TVB, Louisa's exposure rate has increased, and her acting skills have gained increasing approval, especially Misleading Track with Derek Wan. She became noticed playing the nervous housewife, and many new artists think of her as their idol, and will specially go to the studio to watch Louisa act, and learn from the sidelines. Louisa laughs and says she hasn't noticed, but after Misleading Track, she has indeed felt that many people have asked her about acting. However, frankly, she says she does not like to 'teach acting', and only likes to 'discuss acting' with fellow actors.
"Teaching is to tell you to do something that I think is right. Actors should have their own individual thoughts, which give a character its soul. Acting requires sharing, and you can not be selfish. In the most enjoyable films, the artists interact, and exchange ideas, and its not about one person showing off."
In recent years Louisa has been working in both television and theatre, and has a part contract with TVB, and every year maintains an output of 1 to 2 series. In regards to musicals, every time, she meticulously chooses scripts and characters, and will not casually step onto the stage. "The theatre is a place that allows me to improve, I really treasure every opportunity I have to perform in a musical, and I hope that these can broaden my ability."
"When my career was just beginning, I really needed the sense of security. Every decision needed to be stable, and there couldn't be any mistakes. Now I will choose to do things that I don’t know whether I can do."
Perfect Lover
The theatre has not only been a place where Louisa has established her career, but has brought her a destined match. Boyfriend Poon Chan Leung is also a dramatic actor. Meeting at HKAPA, their love has continued for 10 years. But when talking about marriage, or even having children, Louisa has always had an attitude to wait and see."
"I still enjoy the freedom of being single. I can't imagine myself getting married and having children, or maybe I can't carry out this great sacrifice." However, secretly, Louisa is a cooking expert, able to invite 16 people over for a banquet, cooking entrée through to dessert. During her school days, she was the top of her class in home economics. "I believe I can be a good housewife, and a good mother. I am ready anytime, but I don't need to move to this step. My life is already beautiful, and I don't need to have such a dramatic change."
Being independent, does she need to keep a distance with her other half? "It is not intended, but there is naturally a space. Currently I live by myself, while he lives with his mum. Of course there are times when we will be together, but there doesn't need to be firm rules, like living under the same roof."
Louisa speaks frankly about enjoying this type of freedom, and says indeed that both partners need to put in the effort to maintain their relationship. "Certainly I will have other pursuers, and control depends on my own strength. We both really trust each other, and we have common interests, topics and friends. He also really understands me, and this aspect is unquestionable. I think, its (love) not about choosing the best person, but it is about choosing the most suitable person. It is already perfect that we can be together."
New York theatre experience
Its been almost 10 years since Louisa has enjoyed a long vacation, and finally after Love In A Fallen City finished its Beijing performance this year, Louisa flew to America with no US dollars exchanged, living a month as a New Yorker. Living at her friend's place, watching musicals, going to concerts, visiting museums, going to acting workshops was part of her daily life, extremely enjoyable.
"I didn't plan this trip. I found the workshop online when I arrived. I attended a one week acting workshop. The black teacher could see that I was an experienced actor, and invited me to stay for free classes. He also found theatre professor that teaches mask work from Yale University to attend the class with me. Having the opportunity to come into contact with these people is very rare."
"In New York, many big stars appeared on stage. I attended Lionel Richie's concert, and watched musicals performed by actresses like Cindy Luper, Julia Roberts and Cynthia Nixon."
"The most enjoyable was The History Boys starring Olivier Clark. At the time the Tony Awards were being held. Coincidently, I was watching The History Boys receiving a Tony. I immediately ran to the theatre which was holding the award ceremony, and waited by the backstage door for stars, it was very silly but I was very happy."
The night before she left, Louisa watched a free performance in Central Park. "This year they performed Shakespeare's Macbeth. I especially queued for two days to get the tickets. This was a memorable experience to be able to watch this performance. We watched the performance while the sky gradually became darker."
Image credits: Louisa Square
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