Wendy made her start in TV, working on several high-profile drama series such as HBO Asia's 'Serangoon Road' and Mediacorp Studios' 'Zero Calling.' Since then, her artistic journey traverses the realms of theatre, film, and television. Notably, her recent short film, 'Time Flows In Strange Ways on Sundays (YiYi)' directed by Giselle Lin, earned a prestigious nomination for the Golden Pardino at the 2021 Locarno Film Festival. Additionally, Wendy has recently joined the cast for the revival of the immersive theatrical sensation, 'Four Horse Road,' produced by The Theatre Practice.
What prompted your journey into acting?
"At the age of 15, I ventured into the world of modeling, and by 19, I found myself in Star Search. This marked the beginning of my journey into acting, landing roles in various Mediacorp drama series. Motivated to hone my craft, I made the decision to pursue further studies in theatre at NAFA (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts). However, life took its course, and everybody knows it's hard to be a full time actor then. You always have to do something else to sustain your “passion” So, I found myself navigating in and out of the industry, exploring various avenues and engaging in diverse pursuits.
"Outside of your work on stage and television, Could you elaborate on these additional creative pursuits?" Were you the ‘Yishun Mask Lady’?
Yes, I am. I've always had a passion for upcycling crafts and mask-making. It was just a random day when you were bored, I decided to wear one of my masks around my neighborhood just for fun. I didn't know that this would eventually become part of the urban legends of Yishun.
The pandemic brought about a profound learning experience for me. During the lockdown, it felt like a moment of deep introspection on how time is utilized. With live theatre on pause and many actors facing the brunt of its impact on their livelihoods, I found myself fortunate to receive a commission from The Substation. They tasked me with creating a video about isolation during the lockdown. This opportunity forced me to delve into new skills, learning the ropes of shooting and editing.
The experience was transformative. It provided me with an insightful glimpse into the intricacies of filmmaking. In fact, right after the pandemic, I ventured into making my first short film.
"Your versatility extends beyond acting, branching into the realm of dance. Could you share insights about your involvement in the 'Roots: We Were Farmers' exhibition at The Objectif?"
To begin, while I don't identify as a dancer, I find immense pleasure in creating movement-based works, it often conveys sentiments beyond what words can articulate. My involvement in 'Roots,' featured within the 'We Were Farmers' exhibition by Photographer Ore Huiying, presents a poignant window into her family's farming legacy spanning over six decades and ended in 2020. The dance piece, rooted in the butoh style, delves into the nuanced themes of life, aspirations, dreams, and the inevitable challenges of the farming landscape.
This particular project holds a deeply personal significance for me, especially in today's context, as the existence of multi-generational local farmers has become increasingly rare.
Photo: Wan Man
Tell us about Four Horse Road.
Four Horse Road is an immersive, site-specific theatrical gem that offers a nostalgic journey through Singapore's historical tapestry spanning centuries. With 11 intricately woven scenes, each portraying a distinct era, the show requires actors to assume multiple roles that span different timelines within the production. I portray a nun in the post-war year of 1945, delving into the aftermath of conflict, and also embody a Chinese prostitute from the vividly depicted 1900s red-light district. It's a thrilling challenge to navigate the diverse personas, each offering a unique glimpse into the rich and varied chapters of Singapore's past.
Photo: Tuckys Photography, courtesy of The Theatre Practice
In what ways do you think the industry has evolved, especially considering the impact of technology?
There's always both sides to a coin. I think similarly in this industry, with the advance of technology, social media, there’s a remarkable shift towards inclusivity. More and more diverse and authentic stories are told. However, within this expansive creative landscape, it's vital to emphasize the need for safeguarding actors' rights, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape the industry. As an actor, I strongly believe in the importance of protecting our rights and voices in the midst of these rapid changes. Organizations such as SAG play a pivotal role in championing these crucial causes for actors.
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