Japanese actress Yuyu Kitamura is now making waves on the screen, including as a lead role in Dead Boy Detectives, which premiered on Netflix this year. She tells us about her love of performing – including her time as both a student and teacher at Faust International Youth Theatre in HK and becoming an actress in Hong Kong.
Interview with Yuyu Kitamura
When did you discover your passion for performing?
I found acting from my early days in primary school here. We had an opportunity each year to perform twice, once with our class and once with our year group. It was then that I realised that I looked forward to these annual performances so much because it was such a wonderful, fun time. Then gradually as I got older, I was interested in finding ways to perform outside of school.
How did Faust Youth Theatre in HK help develop your skills as an actress in Hong Kong?
Faust was a place I went to from when I was 13 to 17. I had a great drama programme at school but Faust was able to supplement a community of young performers who wanted to grow and create together. Even during and after my time with Faust, I worked with them as a Group Leader. I’ve enjoyed my time teaching and helping other children find ways to grow their confidence, work with others and have fun. It’s been a great full-circle moment to come back and see how many young talented children grow up and continue to perform in their later teens.
What was it like performing in hit shows like Dead Boy Detectives and Expats?
From such a young age, I knew I wanted to be an actor. I’m so thankful for my parent’s support and belief in me to pursue this career. From studying at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts to taking up jobs in the performing arts and entertainment industry, all I wanted to do was be an actor. If I could tell young Yuyu Kitamura I would get to be a part of two incredible productions on global streaming platforms, I think I would have trouble believing it myself.
It has all felt like such a dream to be one of the leads on Dead Boy Detectives. I play Niko Sasaki, a girl from Japan who moved to the US. She’s deeply empathetic, funny, has an amazing wardrobe but is also sometimes unaware of her surroundings. She’s such a layered character who has an upbringing similar to me and has purpose in the show. It’s a blessing to get characters who are multi-faceted and complex – I’m excited for people to keep discovering our action-packed, heartwarming and entertaining show! It’s a blast.
Why should another person who dreams of being an actress in Hong Kong pursue their passion?
Performing and being creative is a beautiful way to express yourself and explore your ideas. When I was younger, I had this naive thought that there just weren’t that many jobs around. In the way that children think there are maybe only a handful of jobs like a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, a basketball player and an actor, I didn’t realise that you could work in movie marketing, or at an entertainment media company. I’m glad I stuck with what I dreamed for myself. It’s a privilege to get to chase what I wanted to do boldly, but even if people can’t pursue their interests for whatever reason, I hope they don’t give it up entirely because if something brings you joy, it’s worth keeping in some way or shape.
What’s been a dream role that you’d love to be cast as?
I would love to be in a psycho thriller!
The benefits of theatre in HK
The Faust team says that developing drama skills and performing skills as an actor or actress in Hong Kong from an early age can lead to all kinds of positive benefits for children – they share some of them here.
#1 Builds confidence
It takes a lot of courage to stand on a stage and speak in front of an audience. Our drama workshops encourage all children to express their creative ideas in an interactive, nurturing setting. Even the shyest of children will be able to build up their self-esteem through drama. And the confidence they gain can be very applicable in school, at work and in life!
#2 Develops creativity
In our drama workshops, we explore new worlds, become people from different times and places and learn about different perspectives and ways of thinking. Exploring these things can give us the skills needed to be creative and imaginative. Our improvisational activities and games encourage children to come up with ideas and respond imaginatively to a range of scenarios.
#3 Improves communication skills
Learning to act can help children develop their speech, communication and presentation skills. In our workshops, we include activities where children take on different personas. This gives them the environment to develop their vocabulary, vocal projection, articulation and expression.
#4 Expands empathy
A good understanding of characters, roles and the subtext of plays allows children to relate better to different situations, context and even cultures. As a result, it encourages empathy – the ability to view the world from another person’s perspective without judgement.
#5 Heightens concentration
Drama develops the ability to be able to focus the mind, body and voice. Even rehearsing and performing lines or movements requires concentration and improves memory, which is something that requires plenty of exercise – just like a muscle.
#6 Encourages collaboration
Without teamwork, plays can’t be performed. Our drama workshops are a strong platform to foster and develop teamwork, including through group activities where children are left to develop a story together.
#7 Introduces new friends
There’s nothing that bonds a group of people quicker than making a piece of theatre together, especially through laughter and enjoyment. Drama also requires children to openly express themselves. This helps members become friends by supporting each other.
Faust International Youth Theatre in HK
Faust International Youth Theatre has brought the world of theatre, performing arts and creativity to young people in Hong Kong since 1999. It offers after-school and holiday programmes in drama, musical theatre and creative writing, along with specialised programmes and a wide range of theatrical productions.
Students learn in a fun-filled environment, developing their performance skills, theatre knowledge, teamwork, leadership skills, individual expression and confidence
Find out when the next trial workshops are being held by calling 2547 9114 or visiting faustworld.com.
This article about Yuyu Kitamura’s beginnings as an actress in Hong Kong and about Faust International Youth Theatre in HK appeared in Expat Living’s Summer 2024 issue. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
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