Artist of the Month-September-Harry Oram

 

This month's Artist of the Month is Harry Oram. You might know Harry from several different places. He used to be a member of the critics panel when HKELD first opened, he's a model and has done several campaigns in Hong Kong, he's an experienced stage actor and won the Heckler for Best Supporting Actor last year and he's recently found his claim to fame in Hong Kong's film scene. We're so happy to see a person like Harry getting recognition for all his hard work. He's kind, dedicated to his craft and always professional. We see a star on the horizon and wish him all the best in his future projects.

 

Questions 1. Name, Birthplace, Age:

Harry Oram, Hong Kong, 29

 

2. How does where you were raised affect your work?

I feel I am fortunate to grow up as a mixed culture kid.  It makes me open minded to a lot of ways of life and people’s stories.  It affects my work in that I want to tell stories that people of all races and walks of life can relate to.

 

3. Where did you train?

The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, NYC.

 

4. What is your favorite style of acting? Why?

I was trained in the method and love it.  It is about discovering the truth and through real emotion seeking to connect both the audience and the actor to that truth. 

 

5. What was the best show you EVER saw?

It’s a tough call between the first time I saw Les Miserables and when I went to see the “O” show in Las Vegas.

The “O” show is more recent, so I’d say that one.  It was an incredible display of artistry and talent from all sorts: singers, dancers, acrobats. I enjoyed everything, including the music, set and costumes.

 

6. What was the best show in HK you EVER saw? (You cannot say your own.)

I’d have to say it was Phantom Of the Opera when I was just a kid here in Hong Kong.  I so fell in love with everything about the theater and musicals that night.  I don’t think I stopped singing it for like…actually I still sing it in the shower even now.

 

7.What piece of work are you the most proud of? 

Playing Hercules in Central Park in New York.  I had prepared for a while for the role and I was really psyched up for it.  It was the biggest crowd I performed in front of as a professional actor.

I remember there was one point when I was alone on stage and giving a monologue.  There was a pause and I looked out into the crowd and saw hundreds of people engaged in the speech and I thought, “I really love this”.  That feeling of being so connected with the audience in that moment.

8. What is your process like?

The reason why I went to Strasberg was because I had already fallen in love with the Method.  It is about seeking truth, in particular emotional truth.  I’m quite physical and try to get the character into my body.  But it starts with getting the lines down and out the way so then you can focus on the fun stuff. 

Good writing really helps, as you read the script over an over again looking for what the author’s truth is.

Good actors and directors around you is also a wonderful blessing, as you feed off each other and can discover new things together.

I have my steps, but it's all a little different each time, which is why it never gets boring. :)

 

9. What is your dream project?

Although, I have a deep passion for theater, I also love film.  It allows you to connect with so many more people, sure in a different way – but there are pro’s and con’s to everything.  I’d like to say my dream project hasn’t been written yet and I’d be the first to play that part. But I also love the classics. I love Tennesse Williams. To get to play Stanley from Street Car or be the Golden Boy would be great. But nothing beats Shakespeare.  Playing Hamlet at school was a close to one of the best moments in my acting career.  I’d love to do it properly in front of a large audience or even for film.  Shakespeare is just…majecstic.

 

10. If you could change one thing about the art scene in HK, what would it be?

I’d for there to be a space where the local artists could train/rehearse regularly.  For there to be “the spot” to go to find the best writers/directors and talent.  So that people can collaborate more, and not always have to worry about rental spaces and price.  To get more recognition and thus support, so in turn we could nurture some home-grown local artists.  It’s not that the HK community doesn’t care for the arts; I think the HK Community doesn’t realize just how good their local talent could be with a little more TLC. 


Comments

  • Truth@truth.com
    01 September 2014

    Gorilla good looks: YES
    Acting talent: NO

  • Moji
    01 September 2014

    Jealous much? He was so good in Judas Iscariot. Harry is very talented. Why else would be getting all the work he gets?

  • Lala
    01 September 2014

    We love you Harry! Ignore the haters- they don't look good in green...

  • Steph
    01 September 2014

    Haven't seen him act in any theatre for a while? Would love to see him back on the HK stage

  • Gary Brightman
    01 September 2014

    Harry has great physical presence and humour he's just completed an excellent series of comedy webisodes called The Shrink for me and IAFT - thank you Harry!

  • Matt
    02 September 2014

    Watched Harry play Judas, thought he was fantastic even though such a small role. I think due to some staging-mishap he also had to stand still for the entire first half - thats discipline!

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