Actor Tang Guoqiang, 56, is a multiple winner of the Golden Eagle Awards - the mainland's equivalent of the Emmys - and has starred in scores of TV dramas and films since his debut in 1975. He has played a number of Chinese emperors as well as military strategist Zhuge Liang in the 1990 TV adaptation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He's now directing a TV series set during the Chinese civil war, before the communists took power in 1949.
How do you understand the historical figures you play?
I believe things all happen for a reason and that reason is rooted in history. The way to find the truth is to look back. It's necessary for people to learn from these legendary historical figures, unearthing the meanings beyond the superficial. We have a long and mysterious Chinese history that spans 5,000 years. There are glorious heroes of all times, and controversial figures that accelerate the process of civilisation as well.
How do you balance history and aesthetics while playing these parts?
Firstly, we have to find the reason why we are portraying each historical character or particular period in history, and how history can reflect on today's society. Then I need to find out how different I am from the character or if there are any similarities between us. It's not merely about imitating the character, it's about my perception of him. Say I'm portraying Zhuge Liang, I can never be exactly like him. I have to integrate my strength into the character's personality. The key is not only focus on imitation, but to put yourself in that character as well.
How do you prepare? My research starts from the big picture of the time my character lived in. I try to understand the overall cultural background rather than focusing solely on the character's life. And I always try to memorise all the scripts before we start filming, and that can give me a lot of confidence in acting.
How far have the characters influenced you?