I have spent the last 4 months getting to know some amazing actors who have played lead and supporting roles in the International tour of The King and I. I have seen 3 actors play the King, 3 actors play Anna, 2 actors play Lady Thiang and 2 actors play The Kralahome. Combined, they probably have more awards than I have fingers and toes, and more than a hundred years of experience between them.
And I have not stopped learning from them - not because we sat down and I asked them for their top tips (eventhough I did ask Ken Watanabe about the beast of a waltz in “Shall We Dance?” and he gave Miiya and I an amazing piece of advice), but because I paid attention and I listened to what they said and did, what they didn’t say and what they didn’t do. I paid attention to how they prepare for roles, for shows, to how they create a safe space for themselves so that they can walk on stage focused with just the right level of energy, and I watched (again and again) from the wings as they brought the story of The King and I to life.
So not only did I get a lifetime worth of master classes, I also got to inhabit their world. I got to help them create the world of The King and I for the audience.
There are so many things I have learnt from them, but if I had to choose the ONE thing to take away, it would be this: to act is to be utterly human. To be utterly human is to never experience the same moment the same way (even if you’ve done it 1,000 times). To be utterly human is to never be afraid of your emotions, and to allow yourself to feel every single one of them fully and completely to their very end. To be utterly human is to find a way to hear your instincts and trust that they will never steer you wrong. To be utterly human is to demand that you show up for the experience of life every day. To be utterly human is to never wait for permission. To be utterly human is to treat everyone the same way you want to be treated - no excuses.
This is a life-long journey we’re on. There is no finish line. There is no competition. There is just progress, and there is gratitude. Every day.
And you know what the best part of this is? I get to spend the next 8 months continuing to learn from them and everyone involved in the International Tour of The King and I. I don’t ever stop telling myself just how fortunate I am to be walking among the greats.
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My name is Eu Jin. I embarked on a career as a professional actor after 20 years in the corporate world. I am a big advocate of personal growth in the performing arts. I dedicate time and energy in performing arts education, specifically in the arena of practical approaches to inner health because I believe that this lays the groundwork for a sustainable career as an artiste.
If you would like to engage in a conversation about a healthy inner life practice, please leave me a message on the "Contact" page of my website and a way to contact you. Thank you.