Upclose with Agnes Selinger Lahirle
Actor-director Agnes Selinger Lahirle is the woman behind the charity show, “There’s Been a Growling at the Sloop’s.”
HK Magazine: You’ve been on a 9-year break from acting. Was it hard to get back into it?
Agnes Selinger Lahirle: It didn’t really feel like a break, because even though I haven’t been on stage, I have been acting with my team during rehearsals.
HK: Are you nervous?
ASL: This show is for charity. It’s not about ego—we’re not doing this to become famous or to show-off. So I don’t allow myself to be scared.
HK: It sounds like you have a very hands-on approach to your work.
ASL: They call me “The Typhoon” here because I am a very tough director.
HK: I hear this is your fourth play for charity.
ASL: I’m working for the children of Mekong. I’ve been working for them since my time in Singapore. I love helping this charity because they help kids escape slavery and prostitution by providing them food and an education. It makes my life full and my heart so happy. The president of the charity is a fantastic person—we are on the same level. For the last three years we have never fought because we complement each other so well. We are working towards the same goals and we are a perfect balance. I am very proud to be doing this for them.
HK: A lot of people say that comedy is harder than drama. Do you agree?
ASL: I’ve done both. I became a very strong dramatic actress, crying all the time. The most important thing is to be sincere, that’s all. People think comedy is more difficult because they think that they have to be “funny.” But it’s not like that. You don’t have to be funny; again, you have to be sincere. If the play has a good script you won’t have a problem.
HK: Do you think there’s something for everyone in this play?
ASL: Everyone of all ages should come. The kids will enjoy it as it’s very visual, but there are two levels to this play. One is the fun, lighter side the children will appreciate and the other brings up issues of love and what happens to a couple when they can’t have a baby. It’s always like this with comedies—you see what you want to see. I’m not here to give lessons but it might make people think about life.