Spotlight on YAFies: Cast of Only a Girl

Bianca Bautista (Main Cast) ; Chloe Brooke (Ensemble) ; Natalie Hsu (Choreographer)

What was your first reaction when you knew you’d been picked for the cast of Only a Girl?
Bianca:
Speechless. Honestly!! I actually wasn’t confident about whether I would be cast in Only a Girl as I played the lead in the previous production. So when I heard directly from Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF) founder Lindsey McAlister that I’d be part of the show and play the lead role Jazz, I froze right there. No words. But after it finally registered in my brain, I was overwhelmed and so grateful. I thanked God for everything, for all the blessings that led up to this moment.
Chloe:
When I found out I’d got in, I was over the moon! Even though I’ve worked with HKYAF on other projects, Only a Girl will be my very first production with them. I was at school when I received the email, and I literally screamed in the middle of my class when I read that I had been chosen. I couldn’t control my excitement at the thought of finally getting to perform in one of their shows.
Natalie:
I was so excited!! I knew this would be another lovely opportunity to get to work with a group of wonderful people, and it’s always such a challenging, rewarding couple of months.

What three adjectives would you use to describe Only a Girl?
Bianca:
Empathetic, exciting, enlightening
Chloe:
Artistic, vulnerable and interactive
Natalie: 
Accepting, bold, fresh  

Briefly introduce your character in Only a Girl.
Bianca:
Jazz is a 15-year-old teenager who loves graphic novels, superhero movies and every snack known to mankind. But she is also a questioning teenager who is discovering her identity and sexuality with her oblivious family and friends. 

What steps did you take to fully understand your character?
Bianca:
When I first read the script and learnt the basic characteristics of Jazz, I watched different TV shows and movies to get different perspectives on characters similar to her. I then tried to ask LGBT+ friends about their experience and their stories and relate points back to my character. Other than that, Lindsey gave us a sheet full of questions to answer in character. Some of them were simple like “What are your hobbies?” others were deeper, like “If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?” This really helps develop the backbone of your character. 

Are there any specific scenes or sections of dialogue that impressed you the most?
Bianca:
I really love how Darcy and Jazz meet. AMAZING!
Chloe:
The scene in which Jazz, the protagonist, eventually gains the courage to come out to her close friends. It elicited a variety of emotions and a spectrum of reactions, both desirable and undesirable. This scene presents different opinions on the LGBT+ community, which I find quite insightful and interesting.

How do you choreograph your own movement to form a deeper connection with the scene?​
Chloe:
For me, I use both literal and figurative approaches. First, I research or reflect on what the choreography should be about, or familiarise myself with the scene’s context. Taking inspiration from that, I came up with some important gestures I want to add. Then I build on that by experimenting with a more figurative approach, pulling inspiration from underlying metaphors or even the music that overlays the scene. 

Describe the best dance routine that you created for Only a Girl. How did you come up with it?
Natalie:
I think every section of a dance plays its rightful part in making up the whole piece! Sometimes you want to see different levels, other times a fully synchronised phrase, other times it’s fun to play with formations… the dynamics and changes are what keeps it alive and unique. I think I come up with choreography best when I’m not putting any pressure on myself and don’t see it as a chore. Usually it’s unexpected and out of the blue, and then before I know it, more and more ideas keep flowing and it’s mostly just so much fun!

What’s the biggest challenge you had in choreographing the dance sequences and how did you overcome it?
Natalie:
My biggest challenge in choreographing this piece was working with the music. It was hard for me at first to introduce different dimensions and fluctuations to the songs, but I overcame this by exploring ideas that leaned more towards, for example, a concept, or formations, as opposed to pure movement. I also tried to break down each song into its distinct layers – the lyrics, melody, beat and rhythm etc – and choreograph with a focus on each of those separate details. This ended up opening up a whole new world of possibilities!

How did Only a Girl inspire you in terms of gender identity and self-awareness?
Bianca:
I actually got inspired by the people around me! They’ve been educating me and teaching me certain ways of expression, sharing experiences that inspired me to play my character as authentic and raw as possible. 
Chloe:
The show addresses several labels and terms associated with the LGBT+ community. It piqued my interest and prompted me to pursue more research to better comprehend them. Being informed also taught me the value of using these terms appropriately and respectfully.
Natalie:
It made me recognise how significant self-awareness and self-reflection is in terms of not just personal growth, but also your relationship with those around you. It inspired me to want to take the time to observe myself, my thoughts and actions more frequently so I have more clarity and certainty about how I contribute to situations when others are present.  

What are you hoping to take away from Only a Girl?
Bianca:
To expand my understanding about the topic of LGBT+. Coming into the show, I did think I had a good amount of knowledge. But of course, along the way, everyone is learning and growing together. I also hope to give and receive the feeling of acceptance, not only for me but for everyone who had any connection to Only a Girl whether they auditioned, are part of the cast, part of the crew or in the audience watching the show.
Chloe:
I hope to acquire a deeper understanding of the LGBT+ community, as well as learning more about professionalism in theatre productions. I also hope to form lifelong connections with the remarkable people I meet during this journey.
Natalie:
I’m hoping to be able to walk away from the project with new connections and a new approach to choreographing. This year’s cast is slightly younger and newer and I’m so stoked to get to know this generation and the things that they will bring! In terms of choreography, I want to push myself to choreograph things I resonate with, even if it feels slightly bolder and more unconventional. 

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Bianca:
Definitely my sleeping habits. I would love to sleep early knowing I got stuff done.
Chloe:
I want to avoid comparing myself to those around me, especially when I’m surrounded by attractive, talented and more experienced peers who leave me feeling like I’m not as good as them. I’ve realised that if everyone looked a certain way or had the same level of talent, life would be quite tedious. It seems to me that everyone has their own special quirk that gives each of us a unique and personal identity. Even though self-love can be challenging given the pressures of societal standards, we must learn to slowly but surely embrace all of our imperfections.
Natalie:
I would like to be able to let go of trying to have full control over everything that happens. It takes away the most fun, most memorable parts of life – the unpredictable, pleasant surprises!