Backstage with Frankie Cat Dang Douglas College Theatre Department grad speaks about his recent performance, as well as the challenges of being an ethnic actor in modern Canada By Chris Sleightholme Fite of the Douglas College Theatre Department often go on to achieve great things outside of the college walls. I recently had a chance to sit down with one such prominent alumni, Frankie Cat Dang, and speak to him about his recent role playing the “Messenger” in City Stage New West’s benefit reading of T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral, on Sunday April 6", at Holy Trinity Cathedral. The production of Murder in the Cathedral was from my experience an interesting form of entertainment. The talent that these actors and actresses posses was unmatched and I really appreciated the “talk back” session at the end of the production. I would definitely refer any student at Douglas College (especially those in the fine arts) to take in one of City Stage New West’s upcoming productions. For more information about City Stage New West and their upcoming productions visit www.citystagenewwest.org. Chris: Frankie, how did you get involved with City Stage New West? Frankie: I was contacted by Angela Hubert, an administrator at Douglas College, who said that Renee, a director with City Stage New West was looking for someone, and I fit that description. That’s how I got involved with the project. Chris: What’s Murder in _ the Cathedral about? It sounds creepy. Frankie: It is a play by T.S Elliot that portrays the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Beckett. Renee: It’s definitely creepy—and profound. T.S. Eliot wrote this play in 1935. It’s ostensibly about a historical figure who was assassinated because he defied the King of England of the time, because of his own deep spiritual beliefs. It has incredible resonance with contemporary political events, like the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Really eerie similarities! Eliot was lamenting the violence of the time, the rise of fascism, and exploring the difficulty of keeping one’s individual integrity in the face of political oppression. Lots to chew on. Chris; Why might someone from Douglas want to go see a production by City Stage New West? Frankie: Because it is different from all the mandatory shows that Douglas students have to go see. From my own personal experience as a Douglas College Theatre student, we’ve only seen professional, big budget productions. [City Stage New West] is theatre that really highlights the craft of the actors, and they’re all quite impressive. Chris: Frankie, tell us about your theater career since graduation. Frankie: I haven’t done any theatre or acting since my graduation at Douglas College. Most of it is because I have decided to take a break from it. I’ve seen numerous professional theatre productions since high school up until graduation at Douglas, and what I’ve noticed is that acting/theatre is very tough to get into, especially for Asians, like myself, and other ethnic people. ens es majority of theatre productions were written way back by Caucasian writers, and there wasn’t much ethnic influences back then so _ there were almost non- existent parts for ethnic people. Therefore, a lot of directors nowadays still feel the pressure when casting a non- Caucasian for a major role in a play, fearing that the public won’t be so open about it and that the production may just dwell under. And I relate to the responsibility of the directors, but at the same time it creates difficulty for me and other ethnic actors to find work. And it is really interesting to observe this, because Canada is often described as mosaic of cultures but not when it comes to theatres and/or movies. America is a melting-pot but they’ re a little more open about ethnicity in the acting field. Those are just mere observations and my own opinions only. I love Canada and what it has to offer in term of immigration and cultural ideas, but I think it’s time to expand that cultural awareness to other areas such as acting, culinary arts etc. Chris: Did you know that Sandra Oh said something similar in a recent interview about how she saw her chances of being cast in Hollywood? Frankie: No, I did not, and now I wish I couldhavepaidmoreattentiontowhatother ethnic actors are saying about this issue. Chris: Murder in the Cathedral is traditionally cast with all-men, usually Caucasian men, except for the chorus of women. How was this production different? How do you think it affected the telling of the story for the audience? Frankie: This production by City Stage New West was more culturally cast, if there are such words. We are really having fun with it and experimenting in all sort of ways. We have women playing men, and something you don’t get to see often, African-Canadians and Asians (bet you didn’t see that one coming). We have people from all different ages as well, from younger actors to mature and very _ experienced actors and actresses. In my opinion, I don’t see how it will affect the outcome of this story. We are all equal and similar as human beings, and that shouldn’t be different as actors(well, except for the talents a nd experience). I hope the audience can see it that way too, and break down those walls of ethnic differences, and just enjoy the production and the talents of some of our actors and actresses. April 7, 2008 Chris: How has your education at Douglas College helped you prepare for your part in this production? Frankie: Absolutely not. Of course I’m kidding. ’'m going to be clique- y when I say this, but it really helped. I never knew how to professionally prepare myself before reading a script or before going on stage. But now I go in with more confidence because I know what I need to know with a script (instead of just doodling on it). Right after I get this script, I did my homework and did some research about the play, its author, when the event took place, etc—basically anything that would give me an in-depth look at my character and the play as a whole. And then we do the first reading, and I slowly form the characteristics of my character. Then the director and I go over my character and help me understand it better and we’d come to a better approach. It is a much longer and more detailed process than just being told what to do and how I should play a character, but it is more rewarding because I’ve developed this character the person you see on stage is more lively and more believable. Chris: Do youthink you might reconsider going into theatre or film professionally after this show? Frankie: I still have the passion for acting and the limelight. I would definitely seek an agent and keep acting on the side as a hobby, and who knows, hopefully in a few years time there will be a change in the industry and there will be more opportunities and bigger roles for ethnic actors in Canada. college pro 2 ie PAINTERS COLLEGE PRO PAINTERS is presently looking for responsible / hard- working University or College students for: Full-Time Painting Positions May - No experience required, we will train you to paint. Positions available in your area. If interested call 1-888-277-9787 or apply online at www.collegepro.com SUMMER JOBS August