Taking care of people can be very difficult. When you spend most of your time and energy looking after somebody else, your own needs can be neglected.
Please join us on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/bangkokpostlearning
It’s complicated
Suwitcha Chaiyong
Taking care of people can be very difficult. When you spend most of your time and energy looking after somebody else, your own needs can be neglected
In the TV drama, Club Friday the Series 9: Rak Thee Mai Mee Kwam Lab (Love Without Secrets) on GMM 25 and LineTV, Joy must look after her mother who has Alzheimer’s. But Joy's stress and the fact that her husband is never around leave her feeling lonely and depressed.
In search of a release, Joy joins a painting class. There, she meets her old university friend Win. The two become close and start an affair. But Joy doesn’t want to leave her husband and the financial security that he provides. Though it’s a familiar storyline, the convincing performances by the show’s leads — with Lallalin Tejasa Wecky (Cheribelle) as Joy and Jespipat Tilapornputt (Jes) as Win — help to make the show feel fresh.
Ahead of the series’ final episode at the end of September, S Weekly met up with the 25-year-old stars at GMM25 where they told us about acting and criticism.
How do you feel about your character?
Jes: Win is sincere. I think he loves others more than himself, but he doesn’t make it clear enough. I don’t like the way he continues seeing his girlfriend after he becomes involved with Joy.
Cheribelle: I like Joy because she’s really dedicated to her mom. But being married, she should control herself around Win.
What advice would you give to Joy?
Jes: It’s difficult because her husband provides her with a lot. I wouldn’t get involved with Win. It’s wrong.
Cheribelle: I think Joy likes to get her own way. I’d tell her that she can only choose one person.
What’s your impression of each other?
Jes: Cheribelle is easy to get along with. She’s a cheerful person. Working with her is fun.
Cheribelle: Jes is mature. I sometimes ask him for advice and he has some interesting perspectives on things. Generally, he doesn’t talk much, but when he tells a joke, it’s usually a good one.
When did you develop a passion for acting?
Jes: It took a while. At first, I found acting very difficult. When a director complained that I wasn’t good enough, I got really upset. But I didn’t give up. I’ve tried to improve. I care about my work and I think I’ve become better. And gradually, I’ve come to enjoy doing it.
Cheribelle: I used to be a dancer and I didn’t really consider myself to be an actor for a long time. Then without realising it, acting became what I wanted to do the most. The more I learn about it, the more fun I have. It gives me opportunities to do things I can’t do in real life.
Did working on dramatic scenes affect you in real life?
Jes: Yes. I didn’t realise it at first, but I carried the emotions off the set with me. After I knew about it, I sat down after filming and took the time to separate myself from the character.
Cheribelle: I don’t get affected by the content of the scenes. As soon as the director says “cut,” I can leave my character on the set. But beforehand, I do have to work hard to get into character.
How do you handle criticism about your acting and appearance?
Cheribelle: I listen to comments from directors and crew members more than anybody else. As for looks, I believe that your acting ability is more important than appearance. Veteran performers have long careers because they have the skills, not because they have the looks.
Jes: It hurts to hear the negative comments, but I can’t make everybody love me.
Cheribelle, you used to live in Belgium. What do you miss the most about it?
Cheribelle: I miss the nature and the sense of order. People respect rules. There’s no rubbish on the ground. There are no fences between the houses, but nobody interferes with anybody else. I lived in the countryside. People were really nice and there was wonderful homemade food and fresh fruit.
