What’s different about this year’s Playhouse compared to last year?
BZ: This year, we are working with a much smaller cast. It’s much easier for scheduling purposes and we can get to know our cast members better. Due to the ease of scheduling, we can also improve in efficiency. The other difference is UCC being renovated, so we have to work with a different venue and also downscale our props, which actually makes it easier for us to focus on the story.
J: The greatest difference is that thematically we focused more on the individual and how they cope with the loss, while last year was more about external relationships.
What would be the best part of the production process so far?
J: <laughs> Dancing
BZ: As always, I really enjoy the rehearsals – and especially with the smaller cast, we have spent a lot of time getting to know each other and having fun. I also really enjoyed Ops, which was a surprise… And Justin’s welfare is always very on point, so that’s really good too.
J: SNACKS! <both laugh> I really enjoyed the creative process. It’s quite a privilege to lead and create something completely original, while working with many very talented individuals. What I tried to do as a rep and director was that we tried our best to have a framework of what we wanted for the play but we also gave as much room for creative expression and space for each individual by not micromanaging. The actors had a lot of input and brought the characters to life in a way that I don’t think I would have been able to do alone. I especially enjoyed the design. A struggle with most plays is creating something cohesive, not just in tone but also the visual aspect, and having a very clear stylistic voice in our play, which was what I really wanted – for our play to be very stylized. Trying to tie in everyone different opinions and making sure everyone is on the same page was pretty fun.
How would you sum up your production in one sentence?
BZ: One sentence, Justin!
J: Nooo…
BZ: Fun, delightfully candid yet unabashedly close to the heart.
Watch an exclusive video interview with Bozhou and Justin (taken from NUS Medical Society YouTube Channel)!
Video Credits: Benz Koh (Class of 2021)