Spotlight On YAFies: Karina Taylor, Andy Ko, Jade Lau

Karina Taylor, Andy Ko, Jade Lau
Performers with HKYAF x WestK: AIA presents – Falling Awake

In one word, how would you describe Falling Awake?
Karina: Uplifting.
Jade: Powerful.
Andy: Multi-angle.

Karina, how do you connect with your character, Sage?
I understand her feelings of isolation and loneliness. I remember having no one to turn to in times of distress and how harrowing that can be. Like Sage, I struggled with self-perception and heard conflicting voices in my head that tried to control my life. 

I also relate to Sage in the way that she grows to rely on her family for support. This was also important to me during difficult times. Sage seems to be the kind of person I would try to befriend at school.

How has your experience in Likes & Lies prepared you for your role in Falling Awake?
Jade: I play a bully in both shows. The social media cyberbullying that Ching engages in, in Likes & Lies, really helped me to develop Kim’s audacity, her ability to betray her best friend, Sage, in Falling Awake. Watching the popular girls physically bully her in the face in Falling Awake added another layer. I brought Ching’s cruelty and sass to Kim, layering some of these meaner characteristics over her inner empathy. 

Andy: Likes & Lies was my first main cast experience at HKYAF. The major difference this year is that I had to think about how to convey my character’s thoughts throughout the story. I learned a lot about the art of storytelling through speech and gestures while working through character development, and found that gesturing is my strong suit so people might see more of that in Jamie, my character in Falling Awake. Also, my experience with Likes & Lies inspired me to make bolder character choices, bolder movements, which helped me enrich Jamie’s character. 

Have you ever felt isolated? How did you cope?
Karina: Yes, unfortunately. For many people my age, isolation is a universal feeling. For a long time, I couldn’t open up to anyone because I was scared of how others would react. However, after expanding my friendships beyond school, and going out of my way to meet new people, I was able to find a new sense of community. This made me feel a little less isolated than before.

Jade: When I felt isolated and ignored by my friend group, I coped by taking a step back to reflect instead of just reacting. Sitting in that quiet space gave me the clarity to realise that there had actually been a misunderstanding, and that I needed to take more initiative to engage with the group. 

Andy: I appear to be a social butterfly, but there are times when I feel like I never get to be anyone’s “first choice”. I can socialise with people in my class, but when it comes to group pairings, I regularly end up alone. That cut deep. Eventually, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I can’t be appealing to everyone, and that I should focus my time and effort on specific relationships where I feel my love is reciprocated.

Karina, Falling Awake is your first HKYAF production. What has surprised you the most?
I was amazed at the sheer amount of passion and talent in the room. Every single person loves what they do and is unafraid to share their love of theatre. From the audition process to the first rehearsals, everyone has been so encouraging and committed. I feel like I’m home when I’m at HKYAF. 

The diversity in the room is also inspiring – people from different backgrounds and schools bring different perspectives and creative approaches to Falling Awake.

How have the performing arts helped you to find your voice?
Jade: Performing arts brought me a community of friends who share my passion. But more than that, being on stage makes me feel seen and confident in a way that nothing else does. It’s an irreplaceable part of my life.

Andy: It still surprises me when I think about how shy I was before I returned to performing arts a few years ago. I was hesitant to share my stories and anxious about meeting new people. Through performing arts, I’ve been able to connect with like-minded people despite us having different backgrounds and experiences. I feel supported by my cast mates because they care about my stories even if they’re only a small part of my journey. I’ve become more and more confident to the point where I have no shame about expressing myself even if it means defying social norms. Performing arts have helped me navigate my identity and shaped who I am today.

What do you think young people can do when they see someone being bullied?
Jade: Teenagers should totally speak up, especially if the victim is their friend. Bullying is never right, and standing by silently just gives the bullies justification to keep going. Taking action is crucial as it shows the victim that they aren’t alone.

Andy: I think bullying in our generation differs from what we see on television – it’s passive-aggressive rather than physical. The worst thing about being bullied is feeling absolutely alone in a depressing situation. What we can do is to reach out to those being bullied and let them know that someone cares. The scariest thing isn’t being pushed around or belittled, but being forgotten and alone.

What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
Karina: I hope that audiences understand that a throwaway comment can do more harm than we think. Repeated negativity can be destructive. It affects an individual’s psyche and state of being. I hope the show raises awareness, not only to stop bullying but to remind those being bullied that they’re not alone. 

Jade: I hope audiences see that no matter how weak they think they are, they can always stand their ground and speak up to people who aren’t treating them right.

Andy: Our society nowadays advocates indifference, and is quick to label anyone who defies “social norms” as overly dramatic or attention-seeking. It takes courage to find your first step, but it also takes courage to accept and support others who are actively finding themselves. Many people face judgement and discrimination every day. It’s important to spot those who are struggling and grab their hand before they sink, a simple hug or just checking in with someone goes a long way.