Spotlight On YAFies: Cammy Chong

Cammy Chong
Drama Educator

You have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Exercise and Health from the University of Hong Kong, what made you pursue a career in the arts?
I've always enjoyed working with groups of people. When I was at secondary school I joined the drama club and learned to love the magic of drama. It opens up my imagination and lets me live out other lives in different roles and settings.

 
How do you think drama education helps students explore their emotions? 
It’s hard to talk about abstract concepts like positive education and social-emotional learning, or put feelings like joy, grievance and shame into words. Using a drama education approach lets students explore the feelings of their characters through the world of theatre. When they take on a role, we can help them recognise the emotions the character is experiencing, understand the reasons behind them in a safe and forgiving environment, practice social skills and rehearse for real-life situations.

Please share a memorable moment from your years of drama education. 
The children’s picture book Brother Egg tells a story about growth. In one scene, Mr Crow tries to break Brother Egg’s shell because he thinks he’s taken too long to hatch. 
 
I designed an improvised scenario in which I played Brother Egg, and the children were Brother Egg’s friends. When my colleague, who was playing Mr Crow, appeared and tried to break Brother Egg’s shell and force him to grow up more quickly, the children became very tense. Some gathered around Brother Egg to protect him, others stepped in front of the crow to block his path. One little girl spread her arms wide and said to Mr Crow, “Give him some time! He’ll grow up gradually!”
 
I was really struck by this. I had never imagined that a five-year-old child could say something so wise. But the truth is, adults, society and the education system push us all to develop at the same pace, but every child is unique and grows at their own speed.
 
How do you think the arts contribute to cultivating healthy minds? 
The arts provide an emotional outlet. Both adults and children can struggle to express their emotions in words, but the arts allow us to express ourselves in our own ways. When emotions are recognised and embraced, it can have a naturally positive effect on mental health.
 
What do you do when you’re feeling down?
I exercise or have a big meal.
 
What was your childhood like? 
I had a happy childhood with routine and freedom.
 
What changes do you hope to see in Hong Kong’s learning environment in the next 20 years? 
In the next 20 years, I hope full-day schooling can be replaced with half-day schooling, and that students have more time and space to explore things outside of their classrooms.
 
What advice do you have for young people who are passionate about the arts? 
Watch as many important, classic works of art, like plays and films, as you can.