Life is a play - knowing when to retreat - Economic Times (03/07/06) Louisa So interview

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

Louisa didn't want to get married after she turned 28 - SingTao (08/07/06) Louisa So Interview

Before asking Louisa to do this interview, I was going to let her speak freely about women's pain, only because Louisa has been in the television industry for 10 years, giving people the impression of self-confidence and maturity, knowing she definitely had some wise words from experience. It was not until after researching for this interview, that I realised I was to be mistaken, as Louisa is not like typical women complaining about their pain, and was even a lucky woman. No wonder Louisa does not mind being a woman again in her next life, she sweetly says "No matter how much pain a woman goes though, they still have men that love them!"

Being a woman is really not easy? Looks, relationships, profession...while age is slowly increasing, worries may also increase. Women are born to love beauty, but age creeps up upon us, and women are more afraid of aging compared to men. One more wrinkle around the eyes will worry them for more than half a day, and many women spend money and care to protect their skin. Louisa's skin is white but glowing, healthy and full of vigour. Actually, she does not purposely spend money or effort into protecting her skin.

"The most important is to keep an open mind, have a good heart and having a pure heart is also really important. I am someone who has made rules in my life, I don't smoke, I don't drink, and try to have enough sleep. I am not against people who do plastic surgery, if they once had their face disfigured, then having plastic surgery is undisputable. However if it is because of a few wrinkles and they go for a face lift, then I don't think its necessary. People will definitely age, but our “heart” is the most important, a 60 or 70 year old woman can be beautiful and graceful. A person who has a good heart and has tutelage won't be that ugly, right?"

Women past thirty hope that they will quickly find their other half, in addition to the situation in Hong Kong where there are more males than females, making women more worried. Louisa really doesn't have to worry on this front, she has dated Hong Kong Repertory Theatre actor boyfriend Poon Chan Leung for 10 years, both saying their relationship is stable, and she isn't in any rush to marry.

"Being a modern women, marriage isn't a problem. When I was twenty something I did want to get married, but after I turned 28, I didn't especially think about it, the most important is that we are both compatible. Marriage is really just a marriage certificate. I think that men and women belong to two different planets. Both our values and the way we handle situations is completely different. A married couple needs to be together for life, both need to face big and small situations, and this is a highly difficult matter. It is truly a large piece of "art" and knowledge.

Currently, the work pressures of women in Hong Kong are equivalent to men, many females have to balance family with their profession, with some even working in high ranking positions. Although Louisa puts high expectations on her work, engrossed in every single job, and for a series she may not see her family for two to three months, but Louisa does not feel the pressure.

"I think completing each job is a must, so I don't feel the pressure, and I won't force myself to take jobs I don't like, not letting myself suffer the pain, so I basically don't have much pressure. If I was to take a job, I will envisage the type of environment and problems I will be facing."

If there was such thing as reincarnation, Louisa says she hopes in her next life she will continue to be a woman. She says "A woman maybe born to suffer, including psychological pain, and even though I am quite strong, in the end I would still want to be a woman, because no matter how much a woman suffers, they will have someone who loves them."

Comprehend - TVB 473 Louisa So Interview

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