Artist of the Month- June- Marc Ngan
5-6-17
Marc Ngan, the highly energetic performer recently seen in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), is our Artist of the Month. He was also involved in a touring musical about Michael Jackson that brought him to his native Australia.
We sat down with him and found out more about his views on the arts scene in Hong Kong and his future projects.
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1. Name, Birthplace, age:
Marc Ngan. Melbourne, Australia. 27 years old.
2. How does where you were raised affect your work?
As an Australian born Chinese, I benefited from both Eastern and Western upbringings. My family was very keen on upholding certain Chinese values and traditions, and at the same time I embraced the Australian lifestyle and went through a Western education system . My Aussie accent and laid back attitude have been known to find its way into my acting.
3. Where did you train?
I trained at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Musical Theatre Programme with EXCEL.
4. What is your favourite style of theatre? Why?
I enjoy being open to all styles, but I think I can nail this down to 3.
1. I love comedy as it’s just a fun way to enjoy a show. Who doesn’t like a good laugh? But I don’t enjoy acting in comedies as I find keeping the pace and hitting punch lines quite tiring.
2. I like realism, as you can appreciate an actor’s skill. But this one is risky; I’ll either appreciate their acting talent or despise their lack of. As an actor, I enjoy acting in this style the most.
3. Musical Theatre- fun and exciting! There’s a certain thrill in captivating audiences through song and dance. I’d like to consider myself a Triple Threat ;)
5. What was the best show you EVER saw?
The West End Revival of Miss Saigon, a musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. It was just before the show closed, and I could feel such powerful passion and energy from all the performers. The songs were gut-wrenchingly beautiful, and the intensity of the musical had my senses wide awake. The Vietnamese-influenced choreography of ‘Morning of the Dragon’ and the ‘Helicopter Scene’ was jaw-dropping and left me utterly speechless.
6. What was the best show in HK you EVER saw?
Last year’s touring cast of Wicked was amazing. I saw this production from an Australian cast in Melbourne as well as the West End. I can honestly say this touring cast, together with the production, entirely lived up to the standard and, in some cases exceeded the previous two times I’ve seen this show. The set, lighting, choreography, chorus members were all amazing. Full marks go to Jacqueline Hughes who played Elphaba and killed it.
7. What piece of work are you the proudest?
I just finished acting in The Complete Works of Wiliam Shakespeare (Abridged) with Aurora Theatre. It was a production I knew would be received well, and along with the other two lead actors Nicole Garbellini and Dakota Duclo, we put our heart and soul into this show. We even did middle of the night Skype rehearsals (running lines) when we were across the globe to make sure we nailed the show.
As a singing and drama tutor in I’m also very proud of all the mini-productions that my students put on. Seeing the parents surprised by what their children are capable of, and have the children experience the magic of performance, is always very memorable and touching.
8. What is your process like?
First of all, I need to fall in love with something about the play. Whether it'd be the story, the songs, the movement, the characters, the style or the director’s vision, it has to be something I'm passionate about. If I don’t like the production, then my heart won’t be in it, and it would be a waste of time. Once my heart is in it, the process becomes quite easy, and there is always a willingness to do the character justice. Regarding what process I use to set my character and how I act, that’s my secret.
9. What is your dream project?
I’d like to play a lead male role in a Chinese movie musical. Something like La La Land, Moulin Rouge, or even any movie-musical from the Golden Age, but in Chinese and for Chinese audiences. I feel like Chinese crowd has yet to feel the power of movie musicals. I’ll keep working hard on being a triple threat and hope this opportunity arises in my lifetime.
10. What do you think about the arts and theatre scene in Hong Kong?
I believe there are a lot of talent in Hong Kong, as well as a lot of people fighting for the art theatre scene. Unfortunately putting on a production in Hong Kong can be very expensive, and so the commercial side of a production is almost always placed in front of the artistic side, often limiting it. However, Hong Kong people are extremely driven, and that drive is contagious! I love working here and feeling the passion of all the people working hard in this industry.
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