READ OUR Q&A WITH STAR OF WE WILL ROCK YOU!

Can you tell us about your journey into theatre and what initially sparked your interest?

My journey into the theatre truly started when I would sing karaoke with my family. Having an Indonesian Mum and many Indo aunties around meant that karaoke in the house was mandatory. Singing in front of family, grew into singing for audiences, which later turned into performing in shows. Both my parents did theatre when they were younger so they’ve always been understanding and supportive of me pursuing the arts. I guess seeing both my parents absolutely give it their all during karaoke sessions was the catalyst for me becoming 

passionate about the arts. Wouldn’t change a thing!

How do your creative processes differ among shows like Once on This Island, Mamma Mia, and We Will Rock You?

With any show, I always want to tackle the show first by asking what do we need to do in order to tell this story as best as we can? With Once On This Island, I was so fortunate enough to be in a room full of artists who lead the show by encouraging us to bring parts of our culture to the show, and in doing so, made it unique to our audiences. That process I loved very much! 

Like Mamma Mia, I can’t wait to tackle another musical that have such iconic songs by an iconic band. Whether we’re in the ensemble, a leading role or part of the creative team - I hope everyone can ask themself that question of how can we tell this story to the best of our ability. Queensland audiences should get excited by how much talent is here in our very state!

Which production did you find the most challenging, and why?

Once On This Island was definitely one of the most challenging productions I’ve had the privilege to be a part of. I studied acting and performance at the University of Canberra and while we do have electives in Music and Singing, actually pursuing musicals requires a whole different level of skill… and nerve! So from being a somewhat confident actor who can sing sometimes, to performing in a musical full of Australia’s best of the best - was challenging in itself. It really helped me gain confidence in myself and to branch out to performing in more musicals, rather than just plays. 

How do you approach preparing for a new production? Any specific rituals or techniques you use?

When playing a character, it can be easy to replicate what other performers have done in that role. I personally don’t look at other actor’s performances of the characters because I would love to form my own artistic interpretation of the characters and the story. Once I start rehearsals and have a great understanding of what I want my character to be, then I am able to see what previous productions have done. Other than that, I take on every new show with a fresh mind for what the story needs. 

What has been one of the most memorable moments in your career so far?

One of the most memorable moments in my career would be performing in ‘Scenes From A Yellow Peril’ as part of Queensland Theatre’s Door 3 Season. The title says it all. To perform with a brave ensemble and daring creative team from The Reaction Theory and BIPOC Australia, is very confronting, personally challenging, but simply magical. Queensland is yet to see what a team of young storytellers from New Zealand and Asian diaspora can do when given the opportunity! Huge, monumental moment in my career! Two significant highlights have been playing Paul in A Coastal Theatre’s ‘A Chorus Line’ as well as playing Pythio in ‘Head Over Heels’ by THAT Production Company and Miraball Productions. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the theatre industry?

Go for it! Go do that audition! Take that singing lesson! Be your absolute self and don’t stop putting yourself out there. Build your community of friends, colleagues and support others when they get their gigs. The best thing about this industry, is the lovely people you meet along the way. Some stay in your life for the show season, but some stay with you indefinitely <3