Interview: Meet Oon Shu An, the actress making international waves
Oon Shu An is blowing up in popularity and breaking down boundaries.
Oon Shu An is no stranger to the general public and the local population. From hosting her own web-show Tried and Tested on ClickNetwork, to having viral videos covered by Buzzfeed, it might seem like she has done it all. Within the local entertainment scene, she has carved a name for herself as someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for the underdog and voice her opinions, making thought-provoking articles and videos that explore the inner workings of her mind. And she does it all with a bright smile on her face, the one that has given her that girl-next-door charm that’s absolutely endearing.
But, she is more than just a voice amongst the people. As an actress, first and foremost, she has regularly appeared on our screens, with parts in Singaporean feature and short films, as well as in television shows and on stage. Though she might have recently made her mark on our radars with her web-show and her appearance in Netflix’s Marco Polo, she has actually been acting since she was 14. But, of course she’s more than just that — so let’s learn what she has to say!
Marie France Asia: You went from shooting YouTube videos, to being on stage for Boeing-Boeing. How do you apprehend performing in front of a live audience?
Oon Shu An: Actually, I practically grew up in the theatre. My parents sent me to speech and drama classes when I was a kid because I was shy, I was in the drama club all through Secondary school and JC, and then I went to the LASALLE College of the Arts BA Acting course. If anything, it was more of a challenge adapting to the online world!
MFA: What was the biggest wow moment when you worked on Netflix’s Marco Polo?
O.S.A: The sheer number of people there from all over the world was insane! I remember when I went to the stunt tent to train for my sword dance, there were people from 13 countries, all specialists in different areas.
MFA: You perform in comedies but also post content with a cause on your social media channels, have you ever considered mixing both?
O.S.A.: Maybe one day! I’m not sure if I post things “with a cause” necessarily. They’re generally just things I care about, and I am very mindful not to be preachy when I post things. I think when it comes to posting content, the most important thing is to be authentic, so if the two things fit and feel authentic, absolutely!
MFA: Can you name a local and an international actress you would like to work with?
O.S.A.: I love Karen Tan. I would love to work with her again soon. She brings such compassion and humanity to her characters. And Michelle Yeoh. I idolised her. Grace and power.
MFA: Your advice on starting an acting career in Singapore?
O.S.A.: Haha wow that’s a tough one! I think people enter this line through so many different avenues! I guess the main thing is to just start auditioning!
MFA: After Boeing-Boeing, any upcoming projects?
O.S.A.: We’ve started rehearsals for Army Daze 2 and that starts in August! I play the Chief of Army, so that will be a big jump from the SQ stewardess! We went through the music the other day, the songs were so funny I couldn’t stop laughing! And then I have a filming project after that that starts in September. Oh and Meet the MP is still playing on Channel 5 so don’t forget to tune in for that!
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Talent, passion, and a never-ending charm, is it any wonder why she’s been such an endearing face on screen? To catch more of her, don’t forget to watch Meet the MP, as well as her web-show, where you’ll find yourself falling in love again with this vivacious actress.
Lee Hui Bing
Photo: Getty Images
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