We named him the best up-and-coming actor of 2015 after his brilliant performance in Pangdemonium’s Tribes. And now, 26-year-old Thomas Pang is taking on the role as one of the star-crossed lovers in Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park – Romeo and Juliet. We ask him to tell us more about his thoughts on the play.
He acknowledges that the play is essentially about a reckless teenage relationship.
‘But wanting the intensity of love they experience is not irrational. There’s no magic in this play like in A Midsummer’s Night Dream. It’s pure chemistry and idealism. That’s what Romeo and Juliet is about: the raw courage to pursue a ridiculous ideal to its fullest.’
He loves the balcony scene the most:
‘The way the words and sounds tumble around and halt at Juliet’s rationale and wisdom versus Romeo’s endless love speech – it’s truly a union in language.’
His favourite version of the play is:
‘[animated romantic comedy] Gnomeo and Juliet. Because Elton John.’
If Pang were Romeo IRL…
‘I wouldn’t be stupid enough to jump straight into Capulet’s house. No, I’d wait to catch her out somewhere. Play the long game.’
His dream roles include:
‘Iago, Bruce Lee, anything in Eternal Sunshine, Jho Low in 1MDB the Musical, Brutus, and “Thomas Pang as Daniel Radcliffe in Batman: Vigilante or Night Club Owner”.’
Shakespeare in the Park – Romeo and Juliet is at Fort Canning Park from Apr 27-May 22.