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Merlynn Tong

Merlynn Tong, performer


I think the very idea that we are discussing white, patriarchal privilege on stage is groundbreaking.

In Short ...

La Boite Theatre has a reputation for staging some of the most inventive and topical theatre in town, and its next production is no exception. Young Jean Lee’s Straight White Men is a play that looks at the notion of privilege, particularly the privilege afforded to, well, straight white blokes. At a time where racial tension, institutional racism and systemic sexism is in the spotlight, this production couldn’t come at a more appropriate time. While the four main cast members are white males, one of the most important characters is played by local actress Merlynn Tong – a woman of Singaporean and Chinese descent. As the stagehand-in-charge, Merlynn fills a crucial role that is pivotal to the whole production. Ahead of Straight White Men taking the stage at La Boite from July 27 to August 13, we caught up with Merlynn to talk about her career to date and what she hopes audiences take away from the production.


Tell us about how you got into the dramatic arts! Where did it all begin?
Well, I have always been madly in love with the dramatic arts but as a young woman working as a suit in Singapore’s advertising scene, it all seemed like a radical fantasy best left hidden in the deepest crevice of my heart. One day, my brother (who is my guardian as my parents both passed away when I was younger) came to me and said that some of our inheritance has come in and I could choose to go to that University in Perth that I was always daydreaming about (Murdoch University for Writing and Performance) or he was going to buy a very very fast car. I started packing, and here I am eight years later!

Did you have any role models in theatre that inspired you in the early days of your career?
I have so many role models! Women at the helm inspire and empower me. I adore women like Jane Campion, Annette Shun Wah and Nescha Jelk (my incredible director for Straight White Men). Seeing women of colour erupting in Australian theatre and screen and being amazing makes every cell in my body sing! I can feel the little girl in me do a wild dance and sing, “It’s possible! It’s possible! I can do it too!” These women include Lisa Fa’lafi, Busty Beatz, Candy Bowers and all the Hot Brown Honeys out there!

Straight White Men is an interesting premise for a play, but your part in particular is very intriguing. Can you tell us a bit more about your role?
My role is the ‘Stagehand-In-Charge’ and this is such a fascinating role. I get to curate my own speech, outfit and really take agency of my time on stage. It is a small role on paper but such a crucial one in terms of framing the show as the creation of non-Straight White Men. This role also demands that I sit in my own power and be comfortable in the process – that alone has been a brilliant and pivotal journey not only for me as an artist but also as human being.

What do you think makes Straight White Men effective in communicating its message about white, patriarchal privilege?
I think the very idea that we are discussing white, patriarchal privilege on stage is groundbreaking. Throw in the brilliance of writer Young Jean Lee – a Korean-American woman – who’s writing and observations are profound, brave and challenging, and you’ve got a show that is quite extraordinary.

What do you hope people will take away from the performance?
I hope that the show will bubble in your bones for a while and allow you to start conversations (with yourself and those around you) about privilege. I had to walk away and have a long think after I first saw the show – I grew up in Singapore and my own Singaporean Chinese privilege needed to be confronted too.

We hear that when you aren’t performing on stage in other people’s productions, you are also a playwright! Where do you draw inspiration for your one-woman shows?
Yes I am! My first two plays have been largely inspired by my own life and the possibility of transformation after tragedy. The first, Ma Ma Ma Mad, looked at my mother’s suicide when I was 14 and the second, Blue Bones, is a semi-autobiography of my teenage journey through domestic violence. My third play, that is still in the making, Hot Wet Void, is my first multi-hander!

What would be your dream production to star in?
I am so very grateful for the work that I am getting already. I don’t have a specific production in mind but it would make my soul so satisfied if I could perform consistently on stage and film across Australia (and the world!) till I am an ancient old woman.

Straight White Men will be staged at La Boite from July 27 to August 13. Head to the La Boite website to purchase your tickets now. 

Image credit: James Bourbon



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