A Thousand Papercuts Still Skin Deep - Hector Huang
Today we are speaking with Hector Huang, a current student on the Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media, MFA about the play he has written, A Thousand Papercuts Still Skin Deep.
Can you tell us about your current project?
I am currently working on A Thousand Papercuts Still Skin Deep, a new play written by myself. Set in Taipei and London, the play is about coming-of-age queer friendships and healing, and is going to be performed at Barons Court Theatre from 24 - 28 May.
Did you get involved with writing this play through Central?
I first heard about Kibo Productions’ callout for scripts containing a non-binary character through my coursemate on social media. I happened to be writing a play that fit the requirements, so I submitted my play and it was selected for a run. I met Lasse Bohnsack from Creative Producing, MA at a student networking event last year at Central, and quickly invited him on board as producer.
What made you want to get involved?
Whilst I was writing the play, I made a wish that I wanted to take this to stage someday, as the play resonated deeply and personally with me, and I had a feeling that it might do the same for some other young queer folks out there. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, I knew I wanted to do this.
Tell us more about the production!
The play is also produced by fellow Central creative producer Lasse Bohnsack. There are several Central alumni collaborating on this project, as well as artists from other drama schools.
How has this related to your course work?
A Thousand Papercuts Still Skin Deep started out as a single scene assignment that I submitted for my writing course more than a year ago. The scene stuck with me and nagged me to write down more about these characters and their experience. Throughout my study at Central, it expanded gradually into a full-length play, which I will also be submitting as one of my Sustained Independent Projects for my programme.
What has surprised you most about your experience?
What surprised me the most is the beautiful network of creatives that blossoms throughout the process. As a writer, I’ve always worked on my own, alone in a small room and away from sight. However, being on a team and sharing my work and ideas with other creative individuals has truly been a wholesome experience, which reminds me that, as artists, we always bounce off each other and come out with better ideas.
How did you find out about Central and decide to study with us?
Central was my first choice when I was looking up writing programs in the UK. It’s also a drama school that hosts various kinds of specialties. I signed up for the 2-year MFA and it turned out to be the right choice for me, as I got to enjoy more time collaborating with multiple talented fellow students and working on my personal projects.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
I plan to apply for the postgraduate visa and stick around in London for a bit to make more projects and collaborate with more people. I am really into puppetry and theatre that combines different media: sound, visual, and narrative. I am looking forward to creating more deeply personal work that could potentially touch others too.
Follow Hector on Instagram @hector.tj.huang, on Twitter @HectorTJHuang, or visit his website.
Keep up to date with A Thousand Papercuts Still Skin Deep by following the pages on Instagram @papercuts.theplay or Twitter @vibrantprods.
Catch A Thousand Papercuts Still Skin Deep from 24-28 May at Barons Court Theatre.
