“Theatre is like coming together as a family …”

By Queenie Lee Tanjay

AUCKLAND – World-class Filipino talent is indeed becoming a mainstay on the international scene, with several local bigwigs and budding artists garnering recognition from various crafts. With the numerous platforms channelling talents today, the world has yet to see everything that Filipinos can offer and excel in.

One of the promising talents gaining the NZ spotlight now is Tanya Corpuz, 22, recently revered for her successful stint on the NZ television program ‘Shortland Street’. In an interview with this young Filipina star, Tanya reveals her roots and her aspirations to make it big in the acting and theatre industry.

 Tanya Corpuz

Can you tell us about your acting/theatre background in PH and NZ?

I didn’t really consider studying acting when I was in the Philippines; it was all academia back there. It wasn’t until high school in NZ that I fell in love with acting and then decided to go to drama school at university. I’ve graduated now and have been in the industry for the last couple of years.

Do you do acting as a hobby or a part time job?

I definitely want acting to be my career and not just a part time job or a hobby. I love telling stories and getting up on a stage in front of an audience. It’s such an adrenaline rush.

What projects do you consider to be your career milestones or highlights?

Performing on the Pop-Up Globe stage in Auckland is definitely one of them. I was in the youth production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. I am also going on tour soon all over NZ performing in schools, so that’s something to look forward to.

What attracted you to begin a career in acting?

It’s the feeling I get when I’m on stage. It’s like a high; it’s addicting. And it’s not necessarily the feeling of having an audience pay attention to you; it’s that connection you share with an audience that makes me want to keep acting. It’s the laughter that we share together, the tears, the heartbreaks and the absurdities.

Who are your inspirations excelling in this industry?

Any creative I work with is an inspiration. So many of my friends work so hard to create something and it’s so motivating to surround yourself with those people.

 Scene from Shortland Street

Tell us about Shortland Street and your role in the project.

I play Daisy Su on Shortland Street and she has been trafficked into NZ. She is a brave woman who fights for her freedom and the freedom of the other girls who have also been trafficked. I got the role through my agent and I was pretty stoked because it was my first time on screen.

What kinds of projects do you like, based on your style and preferences? Can you say that you have an attribute in acting that is truly Pinoy?

I love anything theatre. Filipinos are known for their sense of community and being very hospitable. To me, theatre is like that. It’s coming together as a family to welcome everyone and to share stories.

What kinds of projects do you wish to explore in the future?

I’d like to set up a physical theatre company with my friends where we improv with masks like the ones in commedia dell’arte.

What challenges do you see in the acting industry here in NZ?

Covid-19 has definitely impacted the theatre scene and I am very sad about that. Some theatre companies have gone into liquidation or have been forced to shut down and it’s so heartbreaking to see people’s hard work just get destroyed.

What lessons from the industry do you wish to impart to others?

Be nice to everyone. You don’t know who could get you your next big project.

Do you have any tips for aspirants who wish to pursue acting as well?

Never let yourself stop being creative. It’s really easy to fall into a hole, especially when we are yo-yoing between lockdowns. Find something to keep your imagination going. Cultivate a thirst for knowledge. Make music. Write a story. You might discover a big project for yourself.