DIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT: SUZY WRONG
A star of the stage in her hometown of Singapore before migrating to Australia in 1996, theatre critic Suzy Wrong can once again be seen on screen in her highly-anticipated return to performance playing eccentric and glamorous clairvoyant Roxy Ling, a role written specifically as an Asian trans woman, in miniseries Hungry Ghosts, now airing on SBS.
Can you please tell us about your audition experience for Hungry Ghosts?I met Catherine Văn-Davies a short time after she had landed the lead role in Hungry Ghosts. The part of her best friend in the show, Roxy, had not yet been filled and because Catherine’s instincts were that I could be right for it she recommended that the team take a look at me. Roxy was written specifically as an Asian trans woman, and it is to the production’s credit that they took the time to find an Asian trans woman actor to play the part. When Catherine told them about me audition slots were already all taken but they asked me to drop in nonetheless just for a casual chat, and the rest is now beautiful herstory.
How did you prepare for the role?
It’s a dense script with lots happening over four episodes. I studied it cover to cover, working with the wildest of my imagination to create as clear a vision as I could; what Roxy stands for, visually and metaphorically, in amongst a cast of over 20 noteworthy characters. It was important to delve deep into this fictitious world inside an authentic Melbourne setting. The role’s unusual profession made me feel that I should draw inspiration from Hong Kong TV and film that I had grown up on, coupled with women from the Almodovar oeuvre who are always a personal influence. All very theatrical, which I think works well for a genre piece.
Have you always wanted to be an actor?
I’ve never really pursued it in an ambitious way, but when I see doors open I walk through them. I find the whole business of acting too intimidating; the audition process is so ridiculously hard. I’ve always liked acting, and would always throw my hat in the ring when the conditions are right, but I’m just not that big on suffering for my art, sorry!
What do you think about the diversity landscape for Australian film, TV and theatre?
I think it’s disgraceful. Until there is diversity installed at the top, and with that I mean all the decision-makers and gate-keepers, everything else we do is nothing more than lip service.
What would your ideal role be and why?
Someone heart-broken and evil, like Maleficent, but with less redeeming features, and make her be really terrible to her children the whole time, please.
Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Two words, divorces and diamonds.
Who were your role models growing up?
Rule breakers, angry women, and smooth criminals.
What is your motto that you live by and why?
We’re dying tomorrow, kids.
What have you been doing to keep yourself busy during COVID-19?
I actually have not been busy at all, and it’s been really great learning to be ok with being unproductive. I’ve been giving myself license to be lazy, which involves a lot of deep breathing to calm the nerves, but I truly believe that it’s a good thing, even just to work against the rampant capitalism that has become so fundamental to all our lives. It’s a kind of unexpected revolution that’s taking place.
What advice would you like to give for up and coming diverse performers?
Don’t play too nice. The rules are there mostly to keep you down, not to get you there.
