Artist of the Month- November- Marek Steenkamp
Marek Steenkamp is very excited this week. The show he is directing, The Last 5 Years, will be restaged this Thursday at the Fringe Club after a successful run in May. The bubbly young and handsome director/performer tells us more about his show, his background and what doing theatre in Hong Kong means for him.
1. Name, Birthplace, age:
Marek Steenkamp, Pretoria, South Africa, 30.
2. How does where you were raised affect your work?
I was very lucky to grow up in 4 very different countries: South Africa, Belgium, Russia and Hong Kong. Each with its distinctive culture and ‘way of doing things’. It taught me always to look at the world in a different way- one’s initial perception may change dramatically if one is willing to think in a different way.
3. Where did you train?:
I trained at the University of Pretoria, and I completed my MA at Stellenbosch University.
4. What is your favourite style of theatre? Why?:
Physical theatre as it can communicate emotion, knowledge and history without a language barrier.
5. What was the best show you EVER saw?:
The best show I ever saw was a production of Chicago that was touring internationally. I remember watching the show and deciding, yes: this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life.
6. What was the best show in HK you EVER saw?:
Cirque du Soleil – Saltimbanco.
7. What piece of work are you the proudest of?:
This is a tough one! I have had the privilege to engage in many different platforms regarding Physical Theatre; it would be a piece I directed and choreographed named ‘My Drag’. However; I am very proud of my first feature length film that I wrote, directed, filmed and edited called ‘Tumbling Down” – and don’t even get me started on productions that I’ve been working on here! (*hint – very proud of my amazing cast in November's production of The Last Five Years).
8. What is your process like?:
My process depends on the people that I work with. Usually, I take and existing script / write a script – and then I do my best to articulate the message through the performers. I like to try new things, and I am open, willing to try anything.
9. What is your dream project?:
My dream project involves a theatre, a studio, great sponsorship and a core group of performers. I would love there to be a permanent group of artists that do a new show every 1 – 2 months, that are paid a decent salary and can share their experiences; doing existing works and workshopping new ones. Oh, and have my TV/NETFLIX show.
10. If you could change one thing about the art scene in HK, what would it be?:
Only one? Access and price of venues. There is a very long list, though.
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