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With robust regard for new works and burgeoning consideration for classics, Bi Jean Ngo finds herself at an amazing point in determining the depth of her theatrical pursuits. No matter the adjective attached to a play, the 35-year-old loves creating a relationship with an audience and has won a wonderful opportunity to do so by playing Queen Hermione and Autolycus for Shakespeare in Clark Park’s production of “The Winter’s Tale.”
“I adore this play,” the former inhabitant of Broad and Wolf streets said of the late entry in the Bard’s canon. “Add to that the outdoor setting and the presence of a children’s choir, and the whole experience becomes even more amazing.”
The enthused thespian is executing her roles through Sunday at the West Philadelphia destination, which is marking its 10th anniversary as a showcase place for the playwright’s treasures. “A tragedy wrapped in a romantic comedy,” according to promotional material, “The Winter’s Tale” enlists Ngo to portray a royal and a troublemaker, with that combination and the intricacy of the plot leading to further appreciation for her opportunity.
“There are these examples of beauty and redemption that blow me away,” the ex-Lower Moyamensing resident said of the piece, which bears the distinction of being her first full Shakespearean gig, having done a 2013 staged reading of “Henry VI, Part 3,” under South Philly-based peer Brenna Geffers. “I’ve been dying to do the classics, so I’m thrilled to have these meaty and weird roles.”
South Philadelphians Corinna Burns and Sam Sherburne are joining Ngo in the action, with Newbold’s Aaron Cromie, who directed her in ’13’s “Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them,” handling puppetry duties. Pundits have often dubbed “The Winter’s Tale” a “problem play” because of its mixture of comic elements and psychologically dark components, but no difficulties exist for Ngo in tackling her tasks, which blend heartache and happiness, despair and delight.
“In this profession, people pretty much have to prepare for the joy of unpredictability,” the actress, who noted that such readiness for her has come through numerous endeavors, including children’s shows with Arden Theatre Co., said. “I consider this the most confident, fun and relaxed stretch of my life, and to get to do a Shakespeare show when I’m in that frame of mind really makes me feel fortunate. Who knows what years and years from now will bear, but this is a great time to sample different works and test various skills.”
Coming of age in Northern Virginia following her birth in the District of Columbia, Ngo felt she would find her future through film. Having attended the Richmond-based Governor’s School for the Performing Arts summer program, she matriculated at Boston University, with master’s studies at The New School University’s Actors Studio Drama School fostering belief in an existence on the stage, which she had not initially deemed a legitimate career choice.
“There was some initial conflict because that field is not exactly synonymous with my people,” the vibrant Vietnamese individual gleefully said. “My family, though, based on our background, believed in democracy, and that extended to having freedom of choice for your career.”
Possessing a passion to tell a good story, Ngo, who characterized life in New York City as “a tad intimidating,” needed to find a location that could keep her focused on not only her skill set but also inspire more awareness of the economic aspects of acting.
“The business side is often frightening because this is not a vocation that usually yields automatic prestige,” she said. “You have to be mindful of what you’re getting into and be relentless in acquiring knowledge.”
Not wishing to feel tethered and desiring adventure in her mid-20s, she left the Empire State for the City of Brotherly Love about a decade ago, with North Philly bearing her present quarters following her aforementioned stay in Lower Moyamensing and stints in Hawthorne, Center City and University City, with the final spot placing her right near Clark Park.
“It’s such a lively place to practice theater,” Ngo said of Philadelphia, which has bred relationships with the Arden, Interact Theatre Co. and 1812 Productions. “People can have a huge fear of failure here, but it’s great to have so much support from people who are just like you because they’re trying to make great art, too.”
Many Philadelphians, especially South Philly denizens, are certainly of her ilk, and Ngo has begun to tout the impressive amount of Asians who are likewise leading the way to theatrical thrills, including locals Justin Jain and Rupal Pujara. As a founding member and creative director of Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists, she is looking to build solidarity and enhance opportunities for those whom she considers “an extra family.”
“Those steps are going to allow for shared resources and opportunities,” Ngo said of being a pioneer, a status that became evident in another sense when she scored a nomination for last year’s F. Otto Haas Emerging Artist Award. “There’s work to be done and work to be had.”
Always eager to interact with “Yes and…” people, she will continue her active navigation of the local theater scene with fall shows for Azuka Theatre and the Walnut Street Theatre. An admirer of good yarns, she appears determined to fashion her own account of what can happen when one looks beyond the odds and concentrates on the benefits of being bold.
“I love this world that I inhabit,” Ngo beamed. “I’m ready and motivated to take on anything that can advance this profession and inspire people to love something again or for the first time.” ■
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For information on the free performances, call 215-764-5345, or visit shakespeareinclarkpark.org.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
Portrait photo by Kim Carson | Production photo (Top Photo: “The Winter’s Tale”) provided by Bi Jean Ngo
Production photo (Bottom Photo: Queen Hermione) provided by Shakespeare in Clark Park
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