Who is Ngọc Phan?
Ngọc Phan is a fellow human being navigating the joys and complexities of life. I am an actor, director and playwright in Meanjin (Brisbane). My parents were Vietnamese refugees who were taken in by an Australian family in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), where I was born and raised. There weren’t a lot of performing arts outlets available except a dance school, a small community theatre group and drama classes at high school. Once I discovered them, I was hooked, and so began my pursuit of a creative life.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Worry less and give it a good crack! Embrace more work/life balance. Don’t cut corners in certain areas of my life, especially with the people closest to me, otherwise they think I’ve disappeared. More curiosity and a sense of adventure.
Who inspires you and why?
The people in my inner circle, especially my parents, friends and partner. Seeing their individual courage in how they came to be where they are today, and what they strive for gives me inspiration to do my best.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
More compassion. More laughter. Give opportunities to others where I can. I’ve been very fortunate in my career so far, and if I can open doors for others or shift things, even a little, towards something kinder or healthier, I’ll step up.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Somewhere in nature, either Rottnest Island (those quokkas are the cutest!) or Vermont in autumn, or a bustling city full of art and culture like New York or Buenos Aires.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Currumbin Beach for a dip in the ocean. Enoggera Reservoir for a dip in the reserve. Markets for a dip into your wallet.
What are you currently reading?
A play about an estranged family who reunite in rural Oklahoma, where deep-seated secrets, toxic addiction and generational trauma come to light. A very light read.
What are you currently listening to?
Good Hang by Amy Poehler. A podcast full of humour and joy. I genuinely feel like I’m hanging out with friends.
Happiness is?
Time with the people I love, where time stops. Creativity. Dogs. And being warmed by the sun.
What does the future hold for you?
More creativity. More good food. More happiness. Did I mention dogs?
Ngọc Phan was the Director of Benjamin Law’s Torch The Place – which was recently presented by Queensland Theatre in the Bille Brown Theatre.
Image: Ngọc Phan (supplied)