Curtain Call

Adrian Pang has always considered the theatre his tether. The ongoing pandemic has, however, forced him to reckon with its absence, and adapt both his work and himself accordingly

- JAMIE TAN 

“I mean, not to sound overdramatic about it, but theatre has kind of saved me from myself and helped me cope with real life. If not for it, I’d be even more... I guess the best word here is “lost”. That’s why when the pandemic hit, my one lifebuoy was snatched away from me, you know?”

THE GOOD NEWS IS, Adrian Pang doesn’t need any introduction. The bad? Short of a full thesis, there’s just no space to reproduce our entire conversation with him, which breezed by too quickly as we spoke about topics from his recent struggles with mental health to observations about hard work and luck’s role in the career of a jobbing actor.

To be honest, the man wasn’t quite who we expected. In front of the camera, he was focused yet attentive, and exuded an energy that waxed and waned depending on what was required. During our interview, however, he was equal parts thoughtful, candid, and insightful, with wry humour and self deprecation thrown in for good measure. On hindsight, it makes perfect sense. Here’s a man who’s dabbled in various gigs from host to TV actor, all while holding his passion (and calling) as a theatre actor close. To be outwardly expressive yet maintain deep introspection must surely be par for the course.

Pangdemonium’s latest production, Waiting For The Host, was created as an online experience. What’s that all about?