Maggie Cheung Interview (II) (12/10/2006)

T: Do you think that during this period of sickness, it would be a so-called "change"?

M: I don't think it can be said as a change, but it could be said as a clean slate.
Maggie laughs and says "My lifestyle now is simpler and happier than before."
The people who have worked with me know I am the type of person that cant rest until I have achieved what I want. I remember after filming Song of Everlasting Sorrow, we had dinner with producer Stanley Kwan. I would never have thought that I would tell him, "After filming this series, I don't want to film series again." At the time, he was stunned, but because at the time, I was exhausted, both physically or psychologically, I was seriously really exhausted. Song of Everlasting Sorrow filming lasted for over half a year. The filming was postponed, so I had to stay in Shanghai until the filming was over. Frankie (Maggie's dog) who was at home suddenly got sick because of old age. I almost missed returning to Hong Kong to prepare for Frankie's departure. Frankie has been with me ever since I returned from UK to HK to work, from the time he was little, for 16 years. Our feelings are deep. At the time, I was filming like a raging fire, while my HK helper continuously called to urge me to return to Hong Kong before it was too late. During that period, I couldnt eat, couldnt sleep, and was really flustered. I asked God to allow him to wait for me, and eventually with the efforts of the vet and helper, Frankie miraculously waited for more than a month, and waited for me to return to Hong Kong, leaving peacefully. That is how I sent my friend of 16 years on his last journey. I think that those who have a dog will definitely understand how I felt at the time, oh! Not long after I was sick. Maybe God pities me, and now lets me rest properly (Maggie is laughing while she says this).

T: This event really affected you didn't it?

M: I felt grateful that I was able to rush back, otherwise it would be because my work was too busy that I couldnt accompany my old friend on his last days, and it would be a regret. The most important thing is that this event allowed me to think of many of life's problems, and also allowed me to understand that people can be so weak; I also remember two years ago, when my dad had to have heart surgery. They had to open his chest, and it was a major operation! It was because I was in China filming that I didnt have the opportunity to support him at his bedside, to cheer him on, care for him, and up until now I am still very regretful....luckily the operation was a success; but how many times can someone be just as lucky? Once you think you have a lot, it is then you realise it is the most unhappy and restless time. As your career prospers, as you see more and more pleasing results, then your love life becomes ill, and your family life is non-existent. It is also when health problems appear, do you then blindly struggle, but for what exactly? More accolades? More glory? An even more grand mansion? Or your chequebook to have more zeroes? Whats the point of giving you the whole world, if everything else that you can't buy with money leads to one error after another, I began to become lost. Then I started to read many Christian books, hoping to find clues related to life wisdom. I realised this world was originally not perfect, and happiness was nowhere to be found, and that had to be exchanged with astrological numbers. I realised that you only need a pure and sensitive heart to touch happiness.

While the tranquil days living overseas made me deeply realise that ordinary is actually very joyful. I thank God who has given me this time for adjustment. I can really calm my inner self, bravely face my mistakes and ignorances to life, and reposition life's significance and value.

T: Besides travelling, is there anything else you want to share with us?

M: Reading and exercise is something I do everyday, while I go to church with friends on Sunday. I really enjoy the pleasure of reading, because I always think that with limited money you can experience different authors' life wisdom and life experiences, taking it into account (at that moment I was shocked, she would answer like this) Isn't it so? Moreover reading will continuously allow you to absorb new information. Amongst Asians, Singaporeans generally love gaining knowledge from reading compared with Hong Kong people. You know by looking at the scale and number of bookstores. Their English standard and English reading is far greater than most Hong Kong people. The phenomenon demonstrates that in recent years they have slowly met or have even surmounted Hong Kong is many aspects; The Chinese language culture among Taiwanese people is also stronger compared to Hong Kong people. Their writing ability and the music creation domain had early surmounted Hong Kong; Moreover, I've realised that a lot of Taiwanese girls want to go and experience Japan, so many speak Japanese fluently, and immediately get the popular Japanese beauty magazines once they hit the shelves. Hong Kong is a city of desire, Hong Kong people talk about fashion, talk about efficiency, talk about clothes-food-living-walking-play, there is not one thing they miss out. They are keen about the sense of touch, changing phones, cameras is just as quick as changing clothes. Changing brandname bags is faster than the change of season. Changing boy (girl) friends may even be quicker than changing cars. Anything and everything is fast except the culture standard. While their knowledge of diseases and early prevention is typically weak. If everyone now can absorb the strong points of people in other places, this self-gain, I believe, will make Hong Kong people more competitive.

T: Recently what books have you read?

M: For light reading I recommend Don't eat the marshmallow....Yet! by Joachim de Posada. This book uses a story to talk about how many people find it hard to resist life's comfort that is in front of their eyes. After reading that book, I think when I manage each issue in the future, I will try to ponder its marshmallow value. Also a book that is related to religion called Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I will always as what is the purpose of being a person? What is the significance of life? The author explains profoundly in simple language and from a religious angle, the purpose of life and its value, definitely a must read!

T: And exercise? (Once we talk about exercise you can see Maggie's interest, and you can see her eyes lighting up....)

M: This year I have become a fan of Les Mills training programs. I'm addicted to the Body Balance, Body Combat and Body Pump classes, particularly Boby Balance, which is a combination of Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates; don't see it as a static form of exercise, its actually consumes your strength immensely, and can stretch those muscles that are hardly used. You will sweat a lot, but the feeling is really good.

T:What type of lifestyle do you most yearn for?

M: A simple life!! The simpler the better. I think true joy is from the peace of the inner self. The simpler, the lighter life allows me to pay more attention to life details, and enjoy the happiness. I have always yearned to live in the countryside, its quietness and clear fresh air as compared to the city, and sufficient nutrients. Every night you can see the stars and the moon, every night is really beautiful. I hope that everyone can work together to improve the world's environmental conditions. The current air quatlity is getting more and more unsuitable for humans to live, especially Hong Kong. Everytime I arrive in Hong Kong, and come out of Chek Lap Kok airport, the air quality is terrible and the makes people mad. This really makes most people deduct points on Hong Kong's charm and international reputation/image. The reputation of Hong Kong and it being the Pearl of the Orient belongs to we the people of Hong Kong. But only if we work together to protect the ecological environment of our homeland, can we have a beautiful, radiant and starry sky.

Credits: Maggie Cheung Ho Yee

firthette's comments: She is so right about HK..... it is awfully polluted. It might be great for a first time tourist or locals..... but seriously...you cannot keep up with the trends in this city...! Hong Kong people should really think about the more important things in life.... family, friends and health....over money, brands, and image

Maggie Cheung Interview (I) - Maggie's own blog (9/10/2006)

Finally, I have found an interview method that I like, and when I finished this interview, I had a feeling of relief. I really enjoyed the interview process this time, it was like talking to an old friend over an afternoon, hope you will like it.

Tuen (T): After resting for a period of time, have you found some fun things to share with everyone?

Maggie (M): I remember once I was at an overseas gym attending a Body Combat class. At the time I went all out in throwing punchs, and thought I was hitting with style, haha! Suddenly, when I was catching my breath, the instructor on stage suddenly came and corrected my movements. Trying to dodge and hide from the looks of others, I thought, I went all out to hit, with style, how could he/she be possibly talking to me....oh! Who would have known that the instructor did not pay attention to my hiding and feelings, and in front of 50 of more people repeatedly and repeatedly shouted to me "You, Yes, you!!!" Oh! To my fellow classmates, apologies....it was me!!! (very humiliating) At the time, it was very awkward, I had a cold sweat across my forehead, there appeared three lines across my face, haha!!! Afterwards, I thought, in a place where noone recognised me, everyone sees you as a normal person, enjoying that freedom I cannot get in Hong Kong, is actually something fantastic!!

T: Looking at what it says on your website, you have been travelling during this period, incidently avoiding the paparazzi, is that what you would say?

M: Unexpectly you guessed right, hahaha!! Ever since I got this disease and stopped working, that was when I found out that Hong Kong actually has a narrow and small lifestyle space, with the air so polluted, making people feel suffocated. My life now is so different from my life before, everday I go out a lot more, I like experiencin different lifestyle cultures through travelling. Before work was very busy, and everytime I was in a country I was only a visitor, and basically I couldnt say I lived there. Now, I finally have the chance, being in a foreign place and resting, enjoying normal and simple happiness, its really a small present from God.

The audience really misses you....

M: Really? How do you know!? (You can sense she is really happy) Seriously speaking, I wanted to slow down my life, and reduce life's pressures, and that was the doctor's advice too. Soon I will have a blog, and write a few things, writing about what I have been up to lately for others to read.

T: I think the audience cannot help but have a sense of anticipation. Everyone will anticipate that your appearance everytime will bring different surprises.... will you think you will live with other's anticipation, and will have tremendous pressure?

M: Perhaps in the past I would. I am a person who has her own expectations, and somehow would unconsciously put pressure on myself. So now I try to live for myself. Having too much plans is actually not that good, I like acting on a whim. Take acting for example, a character which you more purposely manage actually doesnt have the effect which you anticipate. On the contrary, I use a play/game type method to play a particular role, and there are surprising results. Life is like a play, miracles happen unexpectedly, dont you think so?

Does things seriously, attention to detail

M:There's a phrase that is really true: "Behind a star, there ten thousand details, when the details are right, then the star can fly." Why do you have to be serious? Because everyone lives once, I will try to not live with regret. I dont want to let some small mistakes result in life long regret. Seriousness is an attitude to life, its an outstanding lesson to learn.

Credits: Maggie Cheung Ho Yee

firthette's comments: I'm glad Maggie is enjoying a simple life :) Take care, and we anticipate your return to our screens ;) What she said about acting is so interesting.... its what she thought of King of Yesterday and Tomorrow...who would have thought she'd win the Anniversary award for it...? Since it wasnt a big budget production.... although I think she's great in comedic roles....

Cooking Goddess Louisa So - Economic Times (5/10/2006)

Having just received the HKRep Focus magazine from Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, the latest issue features Love in a Fallen City and its Toronto, New York and Beijing tour with all the splendours of the city. Critics and media commentators from each location give raving reviews, that the Theatre artistic director -- also the father (director) of this drama -- Frederic Mao, should be very excited about. However, I actually felt extremely regretful. Although this drama was performed twice in Hong Kong, I heard the tickets were sold out, the melancholy empty space.

Although it is hard to bring together Tony Leung, Louisa So and Alice Lau on stage, but hopefully Hong Kong Repertory Theatre will once again move this drama to the stage, allowing other drama fans to experience this great drama. Related government representatives should give more support to this type of outstanding work, because performing overseas will allow Hong Kong's image to grow. Performing in Hong Kong can attract immigrants to return to Hong Kong to spend here and suppport.

Portraying Bai Lu Su, this has been a rewarding year for Louisa, enjoying a drama addiction. On stage there was chemistry between talented Tony Leung; in the box, acted with Damian Lau and Adam Cheng in Men in Pain and Bar Benders respectively. The former has no doubt been all the rage of the audiences in the four big cities, while the latter two have had pleasing results in ratings.

Coming from the HKAPA, Louisa was once an actor in the HK Repertory Theatre, where she perfected her acting skills. Later she made a name for herself in I Have a Date With Spring. Her character's stage presence was not the most, but was most exciting.

As her popularity has increased, Louisa has already shot many commercials this year, but she was most excited about participating in Beautiful Cooking. She unexpectedly won the recognition of the male stars and reknowned chef judges with her exquisite culinary skills, won the champion's trophy and very practical $HKD100 000.

According to Louisa, she will use this unexpected winnings to renovate her bathroom and shout her family and friends to a grand meal to celebrate. She is usually busy with work so usually would not cook, but she has interest and talent in cooking, and her family and friends will praise.

The title of Cooking Goddess has opened doors to new opportunities for Louisa. She has signed a advertising contract for a dried seafood company, and is preparing to publish a cookbook, following in the footsteps of Gigi Wong, Maria Cordero and Shallin Tse. The entertainment world has another cooking master.

Source: Economic Times, Hong Kong Repertory Theatre

Image Credits: Hong Kong Repertory Theatre

Credits: Louisa Square

Louisa - Food to Celebrate Life - Lisa Living - Taste for Life Magazine (Issue 374)

The Dragon Eel dish transformed Louisa into the "new star" of cooking in the region. In a blink of an eye, Louisa went on to host Starry Kitchen and will soon release a cookbook. However, Louisa's kitchen is not just your typical kitchen where you cook beautiful dishes but is her private place where she practices her acting.

Private kitchen

The art of cooking is about talent and experience, what about acting? Louisa graduated from HKAPA majoring in performance, and has worked in the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, and has come across many theories about drama. Many actors in the television industry have not had professional training, so how does Louisa see acting? "A very ingenius foreign director once made a comparison with the kitchen. Actually, each actor has their own kitchen, and has different utensils, different ingredients and seasonings. Acting and cooking are both something very private. Every actor has their own methods, and if its delicious it will be successful. Being an actor, its acceptable as long the performance is enjoyable to watch. Some people who haven't had professional training are also able to do it well, I think its inconsequential."

But, Louisa is an actor known for her acting skills at TVB. In the beginning when she moved from the stage to battle in the television industry, she needed to adjust the heat. "In the beginning when I entered TVB there was a period of chaos because stage and television skills are two different issues. The director frequently told me "Louisa, you don't have to be so loud." My facial expressions and body movements were also too strong. In the beginning when I watched the playback, I also scared myself!" Louisa believes that playback is her best teacher, helping her overcome the transition. "In the recent five to six years, I have learnt to assimilate on the stage and in television. Actually both have the same expectations towards acting, for example sincerity is very important, as well as exchange and understanding of the character and script." In reality, she has enjoyed pleasing results working in both arenas. The musical Love in a Fallen City had excellent reviews, while many of the series in which she was a lead have been very popular. The Awakening Story, Plain Love 2, Men in Pain and Misleading Track are the "pin-up works" that Louisa could see her hard work paid off.

Louisa's dinner party

Louisa has had little time to cook ever since she has worked, but this has not reduced her strong interest in cooking. "I love watching cooking shows, like Iron Chef, Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson. I also enjoy reading cookbooks because they are very pretty and enjoyable books." She sees eating with friends as very important, and every time she cooks she wants her guests to feel at home. "I will absorb myself and enjoy the process, from preparing the menu, wash, cut, cook and serving to the table, decorating the table, tasting and even washing the dishes." No wonder friends agree to go. Even if the ingredient requires a long car trip, Louisa believes it is worth it. "It is a celebration, while each dinner party has different guests. Sometimes things happen only once in your life, and to me, it is special."

When Hong Kong people have a meal at home, for convenience, they will place newspaper or plastic tablecloths to cover the table, and Louisa dislikes this. "I will place a table cloth or table mat, which you can clean. I think it is a form of respect for the food, table and the meal." Furthermore, Louisa's table decoration and choice of music will also match the theme of the gathering. "Music can help create the atmosphere. For a Christmas party, Christmas music will be played. I love playing some Cuban music with a meal where my close friends and I will talk, like Buena Vista Social Club." Knowing how to control the culinary experience, she calls herself the "All or Nothing" type of person "I don't think I am precise, it is a type of attitude."

firthette's comments: I love the whole process of cooking too. Its so satisfying when you cook or bake something for family and friends...I don't mind the washing up either! Usually I would wash up while the cake is baking :-P We should all celebrate food and celebrate life! What's dieting?

Image credits: Louisa Square

Cooking Goddess Louisa to release cook book - 25/09/2006

Yesterday Louisa, Renee Dai and Food Critic Walter Gei participated in a function showing new ways of cooking and eating. Not only did cooking goddess Louisa host the opening ceremony, but showed her cooking skills by cooking spring rolls.

After becoming cooking goddess, Louisa has had increased work load, asked if she's hit the jackpot? She laughs and says "No, not at all, just enough for two meals! But there have been many accidental gains, like publishing a cook book. Earlier I was busy shooting the cooking process, and I have to write as well as shoot the cover photo, it feels like having a baby. A friend has already ordered 50 books, and I'm quite happy! Publishing a book is actually quite a big project, requiring a lot of time. In regards to launching another book, that's up the the response of this one. If its good, then I'll continue, but maybe on other subject matter like acting, which is a fruitful subject matter."

Image credits : The Sun, Wen Wei Po

Louisa's thoughts on skin protection

Japanese skincare brand IPSA recently held its 20th Anniversary cocktail party. Not only does cooking goddess Louisa cook well, but she has knowledge when it comes to choosing skincare products. Mentioning the recent discovery of banned ingredients in some skincare products, Louisa says she has used that brand's mask before, but she thought it was too expensive so stopped using it. She says that even though girls love to be beautiful, they should know what's appropriate, and using the most natural products is the best to protect and take care of the skin.

Image Credits: Mingpao

firthette's comments: Love Louisa's look, so even though it was a short article..had to post it...hehe

Louisa - Seven Emotions Six Tears - Singpao Interview 20/09/2006

Usually people's image of Louisa is one of openness, but actually when she was younger she was very quiet. "In othe people's eyes, I was a soft spoken, weak person, and I wasn't born happy." In primary school, she was an honours student, very obedient and garnered many awards, and the principal and teachers were fond of her. But once her guidance leader told her "Don't be like Lam Doi Yuk!" So, she thought "What's the use of being obedient. Actually at that time I went crazy when I played with the boys, and also had that naughty side. I think there were more fun moments compared to when I was obedient." Stepping into high school, her personality took an 180 degree turn, and Louisa became very active. She participated in many extra curricular activities, and came into contact with a lot more people, and she spoke more. Her life was more plentiful, she had more space, and she was happier and better to play with. Her happy personality is probably established during her high school years.

Each person in her family plays a role in the family. Her parents and sisters worked, and she needed to look after her brothers taking them to school and buying the groceries for dinner and then do her homework. "I am very used to taking care of other people and know how to take care of myself, and this began during that time." She is happy that she is fourth in her family, and doesnt have the pressure of marriage and children. "My mum has already stopped asking me when will you get married? Who will you marry? Have you married?"

It seems Louisa is happy, but actually, she has had times of tears. These tears have been for both happy and sad moments. Through the translucent teardrops, we take a look at her growing up.

Tears of friendship

Singpao (S): In a journal entry on your official website, you write that you watched a musical called Wicked, where in the second scene, the two female leads sing: "There are people that appear in one's life for different reasons. They will help us grow, allowing us to understand that things can be seen from many different angles, allowing us to realise the true value of life. ....Because I know you, I have already completely changed." It is at that moment, that you are teary. It is profoundly touching. Why were you so moved?

Louisa (L): At that moment I thought of a friend, and thought about the relationship we had, she certainly is no ordinary friend! When I saw those two females sing on stage, actually I thought of the things that have happened between us. They sang what I was feeling at the time, and I unintentionally cried, and was really moved. It was a natural physiological reaction. When the tears flowed, my first heart felt reaction was: Why is it like this? Before I certainly did not think that the friendship we had was any sort of special relationship. So I came to realise that our friendship was so deep within my heart, and in that moment I realised that this friend was actually really important to me.

Withstand the test

S: How did she completely change you?

L: Actually our friendship has been many years already! From high schol to now, from studying to working, we have respectively done our own things, respectively had our own friends. A lot of the time we may not see each other much, but I am very forgiving, after we didnt hear of each other, but later had had the chance to meet again. We realised that after seeing each other more, we truly valued our friendship, while I was clear at that moment that she was really important, and in my mind she was my Best friend. That moment proved that she was really my best friend, because even if we argue, I know that we may have something in our heart that we haven't said, but that is just a test of the relationship between us. After the test, the remaining is what is the most treasured friendship.

Tears of the beloved

S: Besides that time where the musical made you shed tears, in your memories, which time was the most profound tear?

L: There was one time. When I was really young, and I just began to understand things, it was during Primary 4/5, and our entire family lived in public housing. At that time we were certainly not rich. My parents worked. My family included my grandma, dad, mum, and my brothers and sisters, a total of 9 people. We had two double bunk beds, and a wooden bench. Entering our house, you could jump into bed with 2/3 steps. In our house was a wardrobe, a television, a kitchen, and a bathroom, and I think it was 200 feet! We lived at Shek Pai Wan Estate (?) in Aberdeen. At that time that is how I thought life was, and I think my childhood was very happy. It was one summer night, when there was still no air conditioning, and the wooden door had to be opened. In the middle of the night, I heard some arguing noises. It was actually my mum holding my little brother and arguing with my grandma, and she wanted to take my brother out. My grandma wanted to stop her. My grandma is a very frightening mother-in-law, and my mum and her would always argue. Basically, at that moment my mum was sitting beside the steel door crying, the yellow and orange lights in the corridor shone through the door onto her face. I clearly remember the look on her face. At the time I saw her cry and tears feel from my face. My mum is a woman of steel, a mysterious female hero, a person not to be reckoned with. She would never complain, and she wouldn't think that others are not good to her. After, my grandma had a stroke and needed to go to the doctor. My grandma has a bigger build that my mum, but my mum carried my grandma on her back to see the herbalist to get the medicine. My grandma had to say "Did you want to poison me?" I really remember that teary moment.

Excited without a tear

S: What is the the thing that has moved you the most, and made you cry?

L: I've just come back from Tibet, there were so many unforgettable things. I met many people and circumstances. The first week when we got back, we couldn't wait and met up to eat. I asked everyone what was the most unforgettable thing on the trip. Different people said different things. I asked the cameraman, and he said something that moved me a lot. I thought it moved me deeply, but I didn't cry. He said "What you said to me." Actually I exchanged a secret with him. I think our friendship changed to become very deep from that moment . With no apparent reason, you would not suddenly trust someone, so, I think this was a very precious experience. Although he is a very quiet person, he unexpectedly says to me: "Why don't we exchange a secret." I thought it was only during our school days that we would have this sort of attitude. To be able to meet this person and be able to exchange this type of secret, is I think very genuine and very satisfying, very moving. In that moment I truly treasured the things that happened during the Tibet trip.

S: Can you control your crying now?

L: I don't believe that crying is a shameful thing. I don't think its something to be laughed about, and it is a sincere psychological action.

S: When acting, can you cry easily?

L: Actually, its easier for me to cry in my life in comparison to when I am acting. Actually sometimes its really hard to cry when acting. Actually, it is sometimes very hard for the plot to move me, but certainly sometimes it can. But I think in real life there are more moving things.

Prologue: Being able to select your roles, and rather not take roles

Louisa has a safe, and locks unhappy thoughts in it, but this safe looks as if its not big. Most of the time she will release these unhappy thoughts from her heart, or delete these matters.

A few years ago, she realised she was not happy with life. She loved acting, and moreover she had many performance opportunities, but she was met with roles she didn't really like, or the television station's costars were not appropriate, but it was because she loved acting too much, these things made her mind and body exhausted. "You put in the hard work to do something, but you don't enjoy these roles, and you will think that its a pain, and lose your balance. So I told TVB that I would rather not work and that if I do work, I want to go to some other ideal places to work, or I can choose what I want to do. Now that I have changed to a partnership situation, film a series or two each year, and am able to obtain those not so idle roles. Moroever, at least I know that I can rest after working labourously for a period of time. At that time I hoped I could choose some roles that I liked, and those that I was really interested in, and are challenging, and roles that can move forward. Last year I performed two dramas that I really liked, maybe there were fewer television series, but actually I plan what I want to do during the year. Actually for each project I will ponder, did I do it appropriately? How did I go? How should I do it completely?

Not far from dreams

Louisa's dream house had to be 2000 feet, have a garden, and has ocean views. Actually, her current house is 1000 feet, and has mountain and ocean views, not far from her dreams. She also dreams of a sports car, Ferrari or Porsche Boxer. Actually, she is very pleased with her current 7 seater SUV, bought in 2002. She really enjoys the pleasure of driving, "I think the interior space in a car is really important, it is a very special space."

Currently Louisa lives freely. Her usual day dreams are "Boss listens to everything she says." Recently, in the gameshow Beautiful Cooking she was able to show her cooking skills, and increased her popularity. Now, she is preparing to publish a cookbook with her own special touch. She is shooting commercials and researching for her next telelvision role, and is busily engaged in work, but she says "Currently I am quite joyful, very satisfied."

Image Credits: Singpao

firthette's comments: I remember when I heard the radio interview and she talked about her mum.... I was so teary listening to it...

Women not pained - Ming Pao Weekly (Issue 1968) Interview

While Louisa and Damian filmed Men in Pain, Louisa was able to feel men's happiness and pain. We chat and I ask what womens' pains are? Louisa won't complain about womens' pains like a typical woman, and in fact says she is a lucky woman. She says "Maybe women are made to go through many hardships, like physiologically, but I am tough, so I won't nag. Now, if I was to choose again, I want to continue to be a woman in my next life because no matter how tough it is for a woman, there will be somewhere who loves them. I think I am currently very lucky."

Louisa admits outright that being a man is tougher than a woman, most of the men in pain are like Damian's character, while the other type are those pained by their career not up there with women. Louisa speaks from a men's point of view and says "Actually the career of a male and female are equal, men do not need to make a comparison, and shouldn't feel pressured because of these matters."

Louisa has dated Hong Kong Repertory Theatre actor Poon Chan Leung for 10 years, and both are compatible in their public and private lives. The current phase of their relationship is steady, but she is not rushed into marriage. She says "Being a modern woman, marriage is already not a problem, but the most important is whether we can come together, and marriage is really just a marriage certificate." It looks like Louisa is still enjoying these dating days!

Temporarily stop performing Love in a Fallen City

In this current stage, Louisa is a television Fa Dan, as well as a lead actress in a musical. Having been in the entertainment industry for more than 10 years, she still has high expectations towards her work. She will be fully absorbed into each project she is involved in. For a series she would not see her family for 3 months. But Louisa does not feel the pressure, and says "I think that an actor should perform each series well, so over these years I have not felt the pressure. I also won't force myself to accept projects I don't like, and won't allow myself to suffer. If I accept a project, I would predict the environment and problems that I may face."

Love in a Fallen City, in which Louisa worked with Tony Leung, ended on a high note. It had a 14 day touring performance in Toronto and New York. However, Louisa thinks that they should temporarily stop for a while, and says "Actually, there are a lot of other places that asked us to perform, but Tony and I think we should stop for a while. Maybe we can find some even better subject matters."

Make-up: Vinci
Hair: Dicky Lam
Clothing: DKNY
Location: Angelini (Kowloon Shangri La Hotel)

Image credits: Louisa Square

Louisa Fighting - Ming Pao Weekly (Issue 1834) Interview

While Louisa was busy performing the 20 shows of A Serenade, her boyfriend Poon Chan Leung got another job, which was a series of SM photos for Teresa Cheung, portraying a policeman.

Although Ms Cheung thanked her co-star for getting her into character, she didn't even know his name, only saying: "He is an actor with the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, I think his last name is Poon."

Coming from the theatre world, no matter how well you act, in the end you only have a last name.

Back then, Louisa and her boyfriend joined the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre in the same year, one chose to leave, one chose to stay. She left because she clearly knew a drama would attract only a few thousand people, while television would attract a few million audience members each night. So she decided to leave her stable government-owned Repertory Theatre job and joined TVB to film Kindred Spirit.

"In the end, people who act want more people to watch their performances."

Afterwards, she was considered for the second lead actress role in the movie Hu Du Men. Josephine Siao recommended Louisa to the director, but she lost to guaranteed-box-office-hit Anita Yuen.

Louisa will not fight for screen-time, but within her own boundaries, she will work hard for something. (fighting or working hard for something, is described by using a pun on two words with the same pronunciation hei, film and air)

Working hard for twelve years, she has finally become the Best Actress in a Musical, with A Serenade ending on a high note. Although when she returns to television, she frequently plays middle-aged roles, she has a fan club. She is regularly praised for her intelligence and dedication. The Miss Hong Kongs need to sharpen their acting, and she has been forced to act as a coach. Also, she has just become a homeowner, and the value of her property has increased by ten percent....everything is going smoothly, finally she has fought back something.

Deciding to buy property after a change in attitude

Louisa has recently bought property, which is a townhouse in Clearwater Bay. The day when she went to the solicitor's office to sign the contract was the morning of the 11th performance of A Serenade. She didn’t sleep well the night before, and the next morning when she woke up, she was really worried that she wouldn't perform well that night.

Arriving at the solicitor’s office, the realtor told her: "You bought this house at the right time, property values are in a downturn, and now with the freedom of mainlanders to come into Hong Kong, property values have risen, and until now, your house has increased its value by ten percent."

The feeling of being a first-time homeowner has its ups and downs, and hearing those words, she has calmed down. Luckily the performance that night was without a hitch.

Living by herself, she has rented for 8 years, and has moved wherever she liked. She never thought she would be connected to a house. Her attitude has suddenly changed this year, wanting to setting down.

"This change has come suddenly. I don't even know why this has happened. Maybe its because I am getting older."

She has dated boyfriend Poon Chan Leung for eight years, and their relationship is stable. Asked if she bought this property jointly with her boyfriend, she replied: "This is a secret, but we have no intention to marry yet. We like our current situation, and we are really happy. We don’t think marriage will make us any happier. Over these past eight years, we have thought about marriage at different times, but these thoughts have never surfaced with either one of us at the same time."

Love lost and being found

Poon Chan Leung is a full time actor with the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at this year's Hong Kong Drama Awards, with which Louisa won Best Actress in a Musical for Between Life and Death.While she was on stage accepting her award, the presenters asked if she would marry her boyfriend if he also won his category. She laughed and said: "Ok..." Later, she changed her words and said "If he gets the award, I will be dead."

The love story between Louisa and Poon Chan Leung, is one of love lost and being found. They were classmates at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, where both of them were acting majors. At the time, she had many guys chasing after her, with Poon Chan Leung being one of them. He made a gold "Louisa" keyring for her to show his love. Although she was touched by that gesture, she thought his personality was too dull, and she chose another guy.

After graduating in 1991, they both joined the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, and in this awkward situation became colleagues. After 5 years, each broke up with their respective other half, and their relationship began while filming The Umbrella Story.

Louisa said she has had two relationships. Her first love was near obsessive, and after separating from her boyfriend, she moved to the same apartment block he was living in, and hoped that he would change his mind. After this, she thought she was too crazy. She clearly understood herself the second time. "Actually I should have chosen him the first time. At the time I saw wrong. He is actually great. I don't want to lose it one more time. When he chased me again, I immediately accepted."

Not satisfied with the Chinese Opera audience

Louisa is a girl that clearly spells out her character. She won't fake her feelings. A Serenade won critical acclaim, with film critic Shek Kei writing: "Louisa's performance as Tong Suet Hing is most outstanding, from a colourful star transformed into a famous wife, having a strong character, it was a big challenge, meeting her arch enemy and third party played by Myolie Wu is really the extreme. Louisa is able to portray the success and pain of a successful woman, and she is able to release and retreat." Telling her about this critic's review, she doesn't seem too excited, only calmly saying: "Ok la"

Continuing to speak, she seems to have a lot to say. The male lead is Chinese Opera veteran Lee Lung, and this attracted a lot of opera audiences that are not used to watching drama, making Louisa feeling not too pleased. "These people basically don't know the rules for watching drama, talking loudly while watching which has really affected the actors on stage.

Maybe they are used to watching the operas with the large props and drums. The performance continues on stage, while the talking continues in the audience, and when they come here they talk continuously. There was a scene when the male lead hits me, and when he hit me, I could hear someone in the audience say "He hit well!" This really got to me. "

"Early on I already told the director, we had to deal with the age issues of the male lead. In the show, he needs to be about twenty something. I thought the actor and character's age gap was too great.

"The performance location (Polytechnic University Jockey Club Auditorium) basically was not suited for dramas. There was an insufficient number of lights, and not able to install enough lighting. Moreover, the acoustics was bad. The attention of the actors is really important. On one night, there were alarm sounds coming from an unknown place, and we couldn't continue with the performance."

Don't want to be idle in one place

In the end, the stages that she feels most deeply for are those at Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. As a student, she already performed many heartfelt dramas there. The acclaimed work I have a Date with Spring also began there. There were 70 performances of this musical, which became a record for Hong Kong, and also a record for her. It was also because of this musical that she performed on the silver screen, and was invited to TVB for a screen test.

The fate of the four female actresses of I Have a Date with String, Louisa, Lo Koon Lan, Alice Lau and Fung Wai Hang were all different. In reality, they have experienced many changes. Portraying Lin Sai, Fung Wai Hang has continued to work at Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, and her position has been elevated to Assistant Artistic Director.

Louisa says: "If I was one who was satisfied with my current situation, I would have stayed at the Repertory Theatre. Working there as a civil servant, I could have been elevated to the position of lead actor, and my life could have been trouble free. But I am the type of person who doesn’t want to be idle in one place. Ever since I was small, I've always wanted to try new things, and like challenging myself. People ask me: "Do you belong to drama? Or do you belong to television?" I don't belong to a particular thing, I belong in the world.

"There have also been television people asking me wouldn't it be good to have continued acting in dramas? Why did you have to go to the television industry? Is it better to "slave away" here? I don't like using the phrase "slave away." I respect each job, if you use "slave away," it means that you are not passionate about your job, and only think of money."

Not distinguishing the size of the role

She did not feel any strangeness when her boyfriend filmed some controversial photos with Teresa Cheung. For a professional actor, there are no questions of embarrassment. Previously, when she performed in Madame Butterfly, she had to wear some revealing undergarments, use profanity and do various pestering actions, but she wasn't fazed.

After entering the television industry, she has been usually playing characters that are mature and close to her age, for example when she first joined TVB, she filmed Kindred Spirit and her onscreen husband was played by Cheung Chi Kwong, and together they had a son and a daughter. At the time she was twenty six/seven. Later she filmed The Awakening Story, and she was the love rival to Liza Wang, while her male costar was Damian Lau who was about twenty years her senior. Although she plays these mature roles, she does not feel wronged.

"Having come from a drama background, it is sometimes hard to determine who is the lead actress like in I Have Date With Spring, where there was only one male lead. So who was the female lead? If you say it this way, then it was my first time as the lead actress when I played the role of Bai Lu Su in Love in a Fallen City two years ago. In my eyes, characters cannot be distinguished by their size, and can only really be distinguished by how good it is to watch them."

The TVB Anniversary has "Outstanding Extraordinary Awards" with newspapers calling this the so-called "Golden Oldies Awards." Louisa entered the top five, joining Angelina Lo, Nancy Sit and Law Lan.

"When you are young and work hard, you should feel excited. Being chosen for the lead actress award should feel strange, because does that mean you don't need to work hard when you are a lead actress?"

From Stewardess to Performing Arts

Louisa graduated from Ho Tung Girls School, and was head prefect. From public speaking, recital to drama, she was always a part of these activities. After Form 7, she selected to enrol in Communications at Hong Kong Baptist University, but she was not chosen, and went to Cathay Pacific to become a stewardess, only to work there for nine months resigning because it was too laborious.

After when she studied theatre at HKAPA, she didn't think she would become an actress, and studied there out of interest. In those three years, her professors kept saying: “You're really bad! You won't act!” She was almost going to drop out.

"At HKAPA, I didn't understand anything said in class, it was too abstract. It was only when I joined HK Repertory Theatre, where I was performing and learning at the same time, did I slowly understand what was acting."

The real person is prettier than onscreen

Floral baskets filled the performance location of A Serenade, with one from "Louisa So Fan Club." Although the other lead actress Myolie Wu is a TVB Fa Dan, a "Myolie Wu Fan Club" was nowhere to be seen."

Outside the makeup room, there was another floral basket from a doctor. On the card were two phrases one beginning with the middle character of Louisa's Chinese name, Yuk, and one ending with the end character of her name, Wa. [rough translation: Classic beauty]

In regards to the 8 words that make up the two phrases, Louisa responds: "I don't think I am pretty, and I don't mind if I am pretty or not. However, a lot of people say I am pretty, almost someone everyday."

On a particular day turning on the radio, hearing Sheila Chan talking to Louisa :"You are prettier in real life than onscreen. Your skin is so smooth and your eyes are pretty."

Louisa doesn't have much of a reaction, its really like she hears this everyday.

She says: "Someone told me maybe because I don't think I am pretty, so this makes people think I am pretty."

Understand? A little. I only think she is quite firm on her wardrobe selection. We helped her borrow a large bag of clothing for her photo shoot, and she didn't want to wear any of them. Also, when she opens her eyes wide, she looks evil.

Louisa's Kitchen – Eat and Chat - Oriental Daily (25/08/06) Interview

Louisa once again showed her cooking skills, being the hot favourite, she won "Beautiful Cooking's" final. Overnight she swept away the Mrs Whoever's to become the cooking idol of the new generation. Even cooking expert Walter Gei Hiu Wa has given way, lending his kitchen to let her "So Quali" (show her skills), cooking Fish in White Wine sauce with Tomato Salsa. With a beautiful woman in front of him, of course Walter has crossed his arms and waits for his meal, and has specially made some accessories to thank Louisa for her efforts.

Writer: Cheung Suk Ha
Photographer: Kwok Hoi Man
Make-up: Winki Tsang
Hair: Dicky Lam (Hair Concept @ W1)
Clothing: ZTAMP-Z
Location: Wow from Jia International Ltd

This interview began when Walter said "Louisa, you don't have to be so stubborn." Known to be earnest, the journalist helped Louisa to go around Causeway Bay to find the baby leeks for the accompaniment so that she could cook this dish well. Also there were some other ingredients that required three rounds of shopping before it was the right ones. When Louisa heard Walter's words "Louisa, you don't have to be so stubborn, you can use baby asparagus instead of baby leeks."

She immediately responded "Yes, I am really stubborn." Maybe it is this strong personality that has produced her outstanding performances on television, stage and in the kitchen.

Paying close attention to her cooking, Walter says "Did a French chef teach you to use toothpicks to thread the baby leeks when frying?"
Louisa (L) :"When I go out to dinner, I will especially notice the presentation of a dish, and hink about how the chef has made it. Also, I like reading cook books, and I think the photos are really, really beautiful, and register the cooking methods in of my mind."
Walter (W) : "How did you learn your cooking skills?"
L:"I learnt the basics during home economics class in High school, and came the top of my class for two consecutive years! After I relied on reading books and watching cooking shows."
W:"Do you have your most fulfilling cooking experience?"
L:"I have cooked for 16 people before. I was in charge from soup, entrée, main, dessert and drinks."
W:"Are drinks a course?"
L:"I think it is, I went to buy it myself. That time was a memorable experience."
W:"Your performance on Beautiful Cooking was outstanding, eel needs to be steamed to be delicious."
L:"That time I only placed black beans on the eel, Chef Ko (the chef judge that night) told me after that if you place the black beans all over, the flavour would be even more strong, but he praised me and said I was smart, knowing to place vermicelli underneath. The vermicelli absorbed the flavour from the eel, and can make up for the deficiency in flavour. Actually, at the time, I only saw the vermicelli, so I put it in the dish."
W:"Have you previously steamed eel?"
L:"No, this was my first time."
W:"Its your first time and you can cook Dragon Eel?"
L:"I have seen other people do it this way, of course apart from steaming, I couldn't think of another cooking method."
W:"Which goes to show you really like cooking, or you wouldn't be so attentive."
He made some small accessories: "Usually I cook, but today you are cooking so I have made a bracelet for your efforts."
L:"Its very delicate, what are the materials?"
W:"It is mainly coral rock that I bought from Beijing. They have some markets opened on the weekends, selling chinaware, pictures, old books, industrial materials, and I would buy these to make accessories, curtain hooks and ornaments."
L:"The curtain hooks have a festive feeling, and are really suitable to give as a wedding gift."
W:"When its your big day, I’ll make some as a gift to you."

Fish in White Wine Sauce with Tomato Salsa
Ingredients
1/2 Onion, diced
1/2 Carrot, diced
1/2 Leek
2 slices Fish
Seasoning
2 cups Water
1/2 cup White wine
2 teaspoons Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1 tablespoon Olive oil
Method
1. Marinate fish with salt, pepper and olive oil for five minutes.
2. Heat the water. Add the onion, carrot, leek to the pan and cook until boiling. Then add wine, thyme until cooking. Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
3. Add fish and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
Tomato Salsa
Seasoning
1-2 tablespoons Olive oil
Tomato sauce
Ingredients
2 Tomatoes
3-4 Basil leaves
5-6 Baby leeks
Method
1. Cut baby leeks into segments, and thread onto toothpicks. Add a little oil to the pan and cook until both sides are golden. Place on plate, and remove toothpicks.
2. Remove seeds from tomatoes and dice. Coarsely shop basil leaves and add to tomatoes, along with olive oil and tomato sauce.
3. Add fish to baby leeks, and tomato salsa. Add herbs for garnish.

Image credits: Oriental Daily, TVB

Maggie Cheung - Made in Hong Kong - Free Walker Interview

Made in Hong Kong – Maggie Cheung

I didn’t know Maggie Cheung having not worked with Maggie before.
So for this interview, I searched some websites to get to know her.
From the search, there were things such as “Maggie spokeswoman for chest enlargement pills,” “Maggie and Charmaine set the record straight at War and Beauty function,” “Maggie goes to court for driving offence,” “Rumour queen Maggie is rumoured to be on not so friendly terms with William Chang”….
Or that Maggie likes eating mangoes, drinking Iced Cappuccino, is short sighted left eye 1.75, right eye 1.50…..and similar information.
Nonsense! This is not knowing Maggie

To get to know someone is definitely not easy. Browsing websites and hearing others comments definitely does not mean understanding. This is especially so when it comes to understanding a celebrity. Like what Maggie said towards the end of our chat: “Its best that people do not know of your success, also its best if people do not know you have money. It takes a long time for me to understand someone and to trust them.” Correct! It takes time to understand someone, especially I Hong Kong. Everyone has a different take as to how to understand someone, and the definition of understanding is also different for your each person.

A provincial Canton maiden, Maggie went to boarding school in England at the age of 13, living there for 8 years. Having part Westernised personality, after returning to Hong Kong she was involved in the design profession, as well as the stock market, before entering the entertainment circle. In 1991, the record company organized for her to join 3 other girls of similar age to form the all girl group ‘Peanut Girls,’ releasing one record under this name. In 1994, she joined the Miss Hong Kong pageant and received the “Most Acting Potential” award, soon after signing with TVB. She received the Anniversary award for her role in King of Yesterday and Tomorrow, as well as “Most Memorable Character” for her role in Old Time Buddy. Recently, her role of On Sin in War and Beauty also gained popularity. She also had the lead role in To Live and To Love, a big budget Mainland production filmed in China. Maggie has obviously worked hard for these numerous gains. She roamed freely overseas in the past, but silently making a “Hong Kong Maggie Cheung.”

Hong Kong Actress

"You need strong perseverance to work as an actress in Hong Kong, and need to be frequently armed with weapons, as well as really knowing how to pick up opportunities. I think I have been rather lucky, at least I have had many opportunities, and able to seize the opportunities. There is nothing to talk about if there were no opportunities. Since the opportunity has come, you can’t wait to seize this or it will be something you will regret. Being an artist you need to go and learn, watching more foreign performances, like comedies, dramas, singing, or even be a host. Being an artist now requires you to know a lot so you can enrich yourself, and be able to come forward once an opportunity comes your way, this is a really important issue.

“My theory is going up is not difficult, but able to sustain a certain position is hard. Starting from scratch to now hasn’t been too hard for me. The difficulty is how to keep your standard, and sustaining a good result. The most difficult is allowing yourself to progress to that next step. But for an actress, apart from hard work, timing and luck is also really important. This has been my thinking that has not changed ever since entering the industry.”

“In the past I have work in design, and tried a few years in the stock market, and have sat for the exams and have a licence. I return and work there at anytime. But being an actress is fate, I didn’t work for it. Earlier I did sing, but when I participated in Miss Hong Kong I had no intentions, and smoothly entered the acting profession, having now worked for 10 years.”

Hong Kong Woman

“After having acted as many ancient characters, I have been able to experience the feudal laws of the past. A woman today requires freedom, and a woman without freedom is a very painful issue. In Hong Kong, Hong Kong woman can have some degree of freedom, but to enhance your own freedom, you need to be financially independent. Being financially independent can protect your freedom.

“Financial independence requires a lot of time, effort and thinking to get, giving up a little freedom before to gain the added freedom after. That is actual freedom. I think that is considerably worth it, there was also a considerable feeling of satisfaction and prosperity. Being able to protect this is actual freedom. Feelings are different, because you can’t control it. There may not be returns from the feelings you invest in. Others will see your work, the amount of gains results from the amount of effort.”

“Although I have had times when I was dismayed, and this was in relation to my work, and it was pressure from the media because I can’t control it. I will always say [If you invited me to act, I can do it for free. If you invite me to do something as a celebrity, I can’t do it for free.] Because I have to give up a lot of freedom, like I really hate myself when I say I am used to the paparazzi and Hong Kong media, because I really am not used to it.

“I really respect Fu Ming Xia, able to gain success on the Olympic arena, but overnight made a 180 degree transition and married someone, and became a housewife. I really look forward to the day when I can do this, cut off the issues at hand, and cook at home, take the children to school, and look after my husband. I hope that my life has a beginning and an end , and there can be a comparison, not wanting to be an actress but doing it to the end. But I also understand that this should come naturally and is up to God to decide. If he wants you to be an actress until you are 60, then you have to do it until you are 60, its not always you that can decide.”

Life in Hong Kong

“I am a very straight forward person, I will say what I think. For me, life is Hong Kong is very narrow. Hong Kongers are easily influenced by others. Maybe it’s the size of Hong Kong. Like if you see someone successfully doing something, you think you can also do this yourself and compare yourself to them. The work environment, family and friends circles are too close, and you will bump into someone at any time, in any place, able to know their whereabouts. So no matter if its good or bad, you will influence each other. Overseas is rather bigger, and people are rather individual.

“I think that the ideal lifestyle is where there is a balance of friends love and family love, and even the work mode requires some form of balance. Now there basically isn’t any time, no time for leisure, no time to see your family because of filming, only getting three or four hours sleep over two days, and continuing to act in front of the camera despite exhaustion. When one has reached a certain stage, they need some excitement in their life to balance themselves.

“I really want to go and experience nature, like dams. Hong Kong really lacks those expansive natural attractions. Even the harbour is filled with boats, and surrounded by skyscrapers. I like hiking, cycling, and connecting with nature. I really want to go on a Safari, then India, Tibet, where I can be close with nature, these are places where one should experience in your lifetime. I don’t want to go and enjoy these places when I’m too old to run. But Hong Kong had a moment which really touched me, and that was SARS. I deeply felt the unity between Hong Kongers. Together everyone experienced this tragedy, experienced the ups and downs, and experienced happiness and sadness in this valued experience.

Through this photo shoot and interview, I don’t know if I have understood Maggie. But from the photo shoot, and the study of the costumes, makeup, hairstyle and subjects etc, she is really a serious person and has demands on herself. Being an artist, she has respect. Being an interviewee, she has thought about how to answer each question. As the writer, I think I have progressed in my understanding of Maggie, and I will need more time and opportunities to increase my understanding. Worried that the writer is not an artist, the situation is the same. Everyone has a different take as to how to understand someone, and the definition of understanding is also different for your each person.

Image Credits: hoyee4u

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