The Evil Within: Anca Chung

Next up in our The Evil Within series, we have choreographer and performer Anca Chung.

My favourite Shakespeare female villainous character...
The Witches from Macbeth! They have been such great inspiration for creating weird, unusual dance pieces.

But more so because I find the concept of fate compelling. Through the three witches, Shakespeare raises the ever relevant question of… free will or fate? It’s fascinating how the idea of fate has changed throughout history. In Ancient Rome and Greece, man was predestined to lead a good life or a bad life , no matter how hard he tries to reverse his fate. In the Middle Ages, it was church that was responsible for destiny. In Chinese culture, we use Feng Shui to try and change fate. Nowadays, we mostly believe that our fate is our own. We are responsible for our own actions.  I think Shakespeare too believes that no one is responsible for a man’s collapse but man himself. If you look at his other characters - Hamlet, Othello, you will see that they all take fate into their own hands. So it’s interesting that he brings in The Witches to make us question our approach towards life. 

About the themes...
Admittedly, I’m not the greatest fan of Shakespeare, but it’s projects like these that remind me what an incredible writer Shakespeare is. Even though some of his text can be difficult to digest, once you put in the time and effort to, it’s satisfying as it’s so rich and powerful. And the themes in his play are timeless. 

Across the different pieces, we’ve explored many themes… blood, lust, power, hallucinations, unity, fate.... I think what strikes me most is the overall theme though. Shakespeare created many powerful female villains, but are they all truly evil? Or just different from society’s expectations? (I can feel some of my friends cringe as they think I’m a feminist!)

What did you enjoy the most about this experience?
I have looooooooved this project. In The Evil Within, you will see pieces created by very talented professional and youth performers working together - it’s rare for there to be a platform where there is such an exchange. It’s also fantastic that there is both physical theatre and dance. During our final rehearsal where we pieced together everything, you could see everyone in awe.. the professionals by the youth, and the youth by the professionals. So much inspiration flying across the room! 

I am also so thrilled to be part of the cast this time. And being able to work with two incredible choreographers Jun and Phoebe. Am so grateful for your time and so beyond inspired! It’s been such an eye opener working under different choreographers… so much to learn. 

What were your greatest challenges?
Working on so many pieces at the same time was the greatest challenge. But not because I spent four days a week in our studio (not a challenge - a blessing!), I had to be conscious of not creating choreography that was samey... ‘blood’ and ‘witches’ can look alike! To help with this, for one of the pieces, I made the decision to have all the choreography devised by the dancers. And it’s so much better than if I were to have choreographed it! The dancers of ‘The Battle Within’ (in fact the whole project) are all super creative. 

Which do you think is Shakespeare’s greatest play and why?
Hamlet. Epic! Also, because I worked on it when Michael Sheen played Hamlet at the Young Vic Theatre, so it has a special place in my heart. 

How did you choose the music?
My dancers tease me as they know I only pick music from video games… but that’s where you find epic music!! My younger sister actually banned me from playing one of the pieces (Attack on the Gate from the Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor soundtrack) once she has gone to bed, as it’s pretty creepy.

Photos by Sam Inglis