Susan Yeung, They Talk, video still. Image courtesy of Susan Yeung

Interview: Susan Yeung

Susan Yeung is a producer, artistic director, choreographer, event manager, lecturer and performer. She graduated with a music degree from Kingston University (England) and Lasalle – SIA College of the Arts (Singapore), and was awarded with the City Contemporary Dance Company Prize upon graduation at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. She has artistic directed and mentored at least 20 dance productions and performances since 2010, both with Lasalle College of the Arts in-house performances and external productions. Her most recent works include a solo work for Andy Warhol “15 Minutes of Fame” exhibition, and a dance double bill “Resonance of a Portrait” that she produced with collaborators from United States, England, Malaysia and Singapore in 2012.

Susan Yeung, They Talk, video still. Image courtesy of Susan Yeung

Luca Curci – When did you start practicing art and why?

Susan Yeung – My first experience with dance and piano started at the age of 5. My parents wanted me to be more patient with things in life and to improve my sense of awareness, therefore they got me in touch with art at such young age.

L.C. – Can you talk about your artistic work? Which are your inspirations?

S. Y. – My works are the reflections of life experiences and inspirations from other art forms. I draw inspirations from serious world topics to small little things that make me wonder about life and the magic that life brings upon us.

Image courtesy of Susan Yeung
L.C. – What are you currently working on?

S. Y. – I’m working on two projects at the moment apart from LASALLE productions – 1. An opera project with an international cast and directors: using an Indian story “Kannagi” as backbone of the project and it will be premiered in Singapore in October this year. 2. I’m producing a performance under my group COLLECTIVE mayhem in September or November this year. The show will use dance film as the starting point and lead to the journey of a text and movement performance accompanied by live music in a gallery setting. 3. I’m also mentoring students and directing a collaborative production for LASALLE during mid March, while choreographing a piece for School of Dance and artistic directing the production in May.

L.C. – What was the best advice given to you as an artist?

S. Y. – No idea is a bad idea.

Susan Yeung, They Talk, video still. Image courtesy of Susan Yeung

L.C. – What is art for you?

S. Y. – Art is something that is close to everyone’s daily life, but requires time and patience for it to be discovered and reinvented. It is an expression that surpasses various disciplines and the power of words, at times.

L.C. – What do you think about International ArtExpo organization?

S. Y. – It is an interesting organization that aims to break away the boundaries between different art forms and various disciplines, as well as providing a platform, for Art and Artist, to have the opportunity for further exchange and collaboration.

L.C. – Do you think International ArtExpo organization can represent an opportunity for artists?

S. Y. – Yes, as the event included artists from different regions, nations and locations.

more. www.lasalle.edu.sg/Susan-Yeung