Upclose with Kearen Pang
Versatile theater darling Kearen Pang is not just an accomplished actor, she also writes (she was co-writer of the critically acclaimed film “Isabella”) and directs her own plays. She talks to Winnie Chau about her solo production “Goodbye But Goodbye,” which is currently in its third run.
HK Magazine: How does it feel to be a director, playwright and actor, all at the same time?
Kearen Pang: It’s both good and bad. I have greater freedom in the creative process. But when I’m both acting and directing, it can be hard to take a step back and look objectively at what’s happening on stage. But I’m used to working like this.
HK: Tell us something about the story of “Goodbye But Goodbye.”
KP: The protagonist is Luk, a jaded children’s fiction writer. One day she gets a phone call from her editor, saying that a reader would like to meet her. The familiar name evokes long-forgotten memories of a childhood friend, and Luk begins to reflect on her career and life.
HK: Is the protagonist based on your life in any way?
KP: Yes, to some extent. But it’s more accurate to say that Luk symbolizes my fears. I am afraid I will become Luk— she has no idea where her life is leading and comforts herself by living in self-denial. She is a tragic character.
HK: What are the main themes of the play?
KP: I wanted to examine the ideas of honesty and self-deception. By nature, humans are dishonest creatures, and even when we confront ourselves we cannot be completely honest. We’re just not brave enough to acknowledge our emotions. I want to say something about this very human weakness in the play.
HK: Many of your works share some very woman-oriented themes. Are you a feminist?
KP: I have studied feminism in the past, but I find that feminism today is a bit outdated. Once upon a time, women needed to fight for their welfare and their rights, but women in modern society are very powerful. I think it’s very important to remember that men and women are fundamentally different. So I believe that “Goodbye but Goodbye” is a story about girls, but it’s not a feminist story.