Act!

It is rare that I’m given a chance at acting. Not that I think I’m good at it, or really wish to be in it, but it seems to add variety into my life... at least at that point of time.

Early during the week, Rebecca’s JC friend Chai Ling, SMSed her to ask if she & her BF would be kind enough to stand in as actor & actress in an acted-out pre-marital counseling workshop, as part of their social work undergraduate project. After some thought, we agreed. So we set off after church on Sunday, embarked for Redhill MRT station where she would be meeting us.

It was raining ‘cats & dogs’. All 3 of us missed the bus stop & had to turn around, walk all the way to the other side of the road (it’s a one-way street) & began waving to hail a cab near a bus stop. Thankfully, God was gracious in providing a taxi that drove us straight to the entrance of the church – Grace Assembly of God.

However, we were already a bit drenched. Rebecca’s left sleeve was almost totally wet & Chai Ling’s back was a bit wet too. Both of them were sheltering under the same small umbrella, see. As I was sheltering myself with my own umbrella (I don’t know why Rebecca decided to share the umbrella with Chai Ling), my attire wasn’t really wet, but my shoes were a little soaked. Of course, needless to say, the girls’ footwear were thoroughly drenched too.

This ‘drama’ starred 4 couples who do not know each other at all. The lady conducting this acted-out pre-marital counseling was named Christy. She looked very much like Lye Lee Fong & even sounded like her. Except the obvious evidence that she was taller & didn’t have that small a nose… =)

Several scenes were filmed & it was rather comical at some scenes. From the need for Christy to stand still without moving about, so as not to step out of the camera view… to one couple trying their best to look & sound angry while acting out a conflict resolution incident.

For once, I began to get a small ‘taste’ of how tiring it can be to act. Sometimes several takes had to be shot & scenes repeated a few times. Furthermore, as the actors & actresses get tired over time, we still had to try to portray a cheerful face during those filming scenes. The microphone that was attached to the video camera was very, very sensitive. It could pick up the slightest twitch of sound e.g. our quiet breathing. Or some of us (like me) were having a bit of a blocked nose.

But overall, it was a good experience. Chai Ling gave us a Bengawan Solo $5 voucher & we were surprised. Later, Rebecca told me that her family isn’t very well to do… & that made me appreciate her efforts all the more. She has a kind & considerate heart. Thank God for her…