We ask Jingan a few questions about why she wanted to write for Heat & Light, how to beat writer's block and if she's any good at maths.
When did you decide you wanted to write and is this your first play?
I've always written for fun. It really all started with songwriting, that was what I was working towards; having a career in music, through that I discovered a love for narrative incorporated within poetry. But I have to say, whether it was short stories, poetry, I've always written, I've probably got around twenty unfinished "novels" on my hard drive. Just releasing that energy. Actually, I used to record a diary but it became too tedious so now I just write any old nonsense if I need to empty some space in my head.
I didn't grow up around theatre and I had absolutely no concept of it except for Musicals, Shakespeare, some Tom Stoppard and Chinese opera (I'm from Hong Kong). However I did grow up around some serious cinephiles so writing dialogue and telling stories was what initially appealed to me. I had written a few short one act plays in my teens and then when I moved to London one was performed at a development for writers event and was severely critiqued! It was upsetting but I took it as good advice and just wrote more. The Heat & Light project actually motivated me to enter the Verity Bargate Award at the Soho Theatre and I actually just sent it off, my first full-length play!
Why did you apply to Heat and Light?
I was looking for some creative projects in association with young people's theatre and came across Heat & Light which was part of The Hampstead Theatre! I had no idea it existed so I decided to apply for both acting and writing.
What were your first thoughts when you found out you needed to write a play inspired by maths and coincidence?
I recall a sort of "oh no" moment, probably a few minor swear words but immediately following that, I thought that instead of taking the theme 'literally' I wanted to challenge myself by looking for the subtleties within it. How could I use maths and coincidence as a framework to build something complex and riveting for an audience.
Are you any good at maths?
Proudly I can declare I got a B at GCSE (don't ask me how I managed that) but as my friends will tell you, no, I'm not very good at maths. Adding, multiplying... I can't even calculate a tip so going out to eat with me is quite the chore!
What inspires you to write and what helps when you have writer's block?
Inspiration is a funny thing isn't it? It comes and goes. I think the best thing is just living (no matter how pretentious that sounds) but it's a good starting point isn't it? Listening, participating and engaging in the world. But I've learnt that as soon as you have that "bing" moment in your head you have to write it down. I have consistent writer's block, and because I'm not very good at sitting in one place the only solution for me is to be doing something. Seriously, just do something, anything. You could go for a walk, write a song, talk to a friend, mull over whether you'll do the washing up...bake a pie. Anything and everything helps.
Do you have any other theatrical ambitions?
When did you decide you wanted to write and is this your first play?
I've always written for fun. It really all started with songwriting, that was what I was working towards; having a career in music, through that I discovered a love for narrative incorporated within poetry. But I have to say, whether it was short stories, poetry, I've always written, I've probably got around twenty unfinished "novels" on my hard drive. Just releasing that energy. Actually, I used to record a diary but it became too tedious so now I just write any old nonsense if I need to empty some space in my head.
I didn't grow up around theatre and I had absolutely no concept of it except for Musicals, Shakespeare, some Tom Stoppard and Chinese opera (I'm from Hong Kong). However I did grow up around some serious cinephiles so writing dialogue and telling stories was what initially appealed to me. I had written a few short one act plays in my teens and then when I moved to London one was performed at a development for writers event and was severely critiqued! It was upsetting but I took it as good advice and just wrote more. The Heat & Light project actually motivated me to enter the Verity Bargate Award at the Soho Theatre and I actually just sent it off, my first full-length play!
Why did you apply to Heat and Light?
I was looking for some creative projects in association with young people's theatre and came across Heat & Light which was part of The Hampstead Theatre! I had no idea it existed so I decided to apply for both acting and writing.
What were your first thoughts when you found out you needed to write a play inspired by maths and coincidence?
I recall a sort of "oh no" moment, probably a few minor swear words but immediately following that, I thought that instead of taking the theme 'literally' I wanted to challenge myself by looking for the subtleties within it. How could I use maths and coincidence as a framework to build something complex and riveting for an audience.
Are you any good at maths?
Proudly I can declare I got a B at GCSE (don't ask me how I managed that) but as my friends will tell you, no, I'm not very good at maths. Adding, multiplying... I can't even calculate a tip so going out to eat with me is quite the chore!
What inspires you to write and what helps when you have writer's block?
Inspiration is a funny thing isn't it? It comes and goes. I think the best thing is just living (no matter how pretentious that sounds) but it's a good starting point isn't it? Listening, participating and engaging in the world. But I've learnt that as soon as you have that "bing" moment in your head you have to write it down. I have consistent writer's block, and because I'm not very good at sitting in one place the only solution for me is to be doing something. Seriously, just do something, anything. You could go for a walk, write a song, talk to a friend, mull over whether you'll do the washing up...bake a pie. Anything and everything helps.
Do you have any other theatrical ambitions?
I started out as a performer so I'd love to act professionally on stage. I used to be a dancer too so something that incorporates all those things...
What did/are you studying at University?
I'm at King's College, London doing my BA in English with Film Studies.
What do you feel you have gained from being a member of Heat and Light?
Being mentored by playwright James Graham and director Thomas Hescott: they have both been incredibly supportive of us writers and actors and gaining insight into the professional world so invaluable. Also being given the opportunity to work with a group of talented young actors, watching them take the text and making it their own. I can say this for my group of actors that they are some of the most creative and passionate people and have allowed me to see my work from different perspectives. You sometimes forget that through the learning/rehearsal process you meet all these new people and I've made some strong bonds. I've met some incredible people and their passion for what they all do inspires me.
You are also an actress; will you be auditioning for next term?
Definitely! With it being the final project for Heat & Light I think it would be incredible to be a part of.
What did/are you studying at University?
I'm at King's College, London doing my BA in English with Film Studies.
What do you feel you have gained from being a member of Heat and Light?
Being mentored by playwright James Graham and director Thomas Hescott: they have both been incredibly supportive of us writers and actors and gaining insight into the professional world so invaluable. Also being given the opportunity to work with a group of talented young actors, watching them take the text and making it their own. I can say this for my group of actors that they are some of the most creative and passionate people and have allowed me to see my work from different perspectives. You sometimes forget that through the learning/rehearsal process you meet all these new people and I've made some strong bonds. I've met some incredible people and their passion for what they all do inspires me.
You are also an actress; will you be auditioning for next term?
Definitely! With it being the final project for Heat & Light I think it would be incredible to be a part of.
