[Zip Magazine] Change in Continuation - Charmaine Sheh

Approaching April, the spring season heralds. This is the time where nature renews. Unfortunately due to pandemic, everyone was worried as they could not go out on streets, not being to gather with friends for meals, even to the extent not being able to travel overseas as they like. Some even have to temporarily stop working, life has become 'forced leave'. This suddenly forced leave created uneasiness, negativity and gradually the society is shrouded in unhappiness. The cover for April issue, Charmaine Sheh kept an optimistic outlook to manage her mindset, perhaps this thinking can turn negativity into positivity. Being 'forced leave' (rest), perhaps it's a way to prepare oneself.
A rest is only the first step of a longer journey ahead As the situation worsens, a lot of jobs have to cease for a while. "Recently taking a break, so I continually self improve, hoping it will be of good use when the time comes. I watched different types of movies and dramas." Though her jobs have been postponed, the optimistic Charmaine took the opportunity to take a good break and equip herself. "I kept thinking, what can I do during this period? Example, sharpening my skills, enjoying the interaction with the family since I hardly have the time in the past." Now that everyone has to be at home with nothing to do, is it bleak? Wrong, if you think about it the other way, you can do a lot of stuff at home. For example, in the past, you didn't have the time to sit, now you can quietly contemplate your next step. Like Charmaine, "Participate in language, philosophy, enunciation and acting classes, these all are related to my work. It's a plus that you can study from home." If everyone faces a negative situation with a negative attitude, the situation will not improve. On the contrary, changing your own attitude and keeping a positive mindset, preparing for the future will eventually turn the situation around.
After Consort Xian Portraying the role of Consort Xian in 2018 《The Story of Yanxi Palace》, Charmaine has created another career pinnacle with her refined acting skills. Even though it has been 2 years, her role is still unforgettable for many people. Every time she appears, people have the urge to call her "Consort Xian". Recently she has another Mainland China drama airing; 《Winter Begonia》, the journalist is curious how her role will once again capture the attention of audiences. "This drama is quite special to me because I portray the role of a Dongbei lady, something that I've not done before. First of all, I have little knowledge of Dongbei people, hence I did a lot of research. For example, Dongbei women are bold and they talk straight to the point, unlike traditional rich lady that speaks gently." There's saying that you shouldn't mess with Dongbei people, they seem to be barbaric and overbearing. You shouldn't marry a Dongbei woman - it seems that Dongbei people are indeed hard to handle! "My character name is Fan Xiang Er; 2nd Madam, she likes to scold people! She is the matriarch of the family, taking care of all matter in the household, while her husband Cheng Feng Tai (portrayed by Huang Xiao Ming) takes care of external matters, the business side. She doesn't like going out, she has a traditional mindset that a lady shouldn't venture too much outside the home. In another word, means that every time I step outside, it's because something significant happened, time for me to scold people!" Even though the role requires to constantly scold people, she's still a kindhearted woman: "She's a reasonable person, just that she is straightforward and doesn't beat around the bush." Except for Hong Kong dramas, Charmaine acted in several Mainland China drama in the past few years and collaborated with some production teams, and she admired some aspects of them. "(Compared to HK), costume drama produced by Mainland China teams are more meticulous, as they are more familiar with the historical culture. The meticulous extent could be seen on even the antique props or very specific etiquette. During filming costume drama, they will engage etiquette coach on filming ground, teaching you how to respond to Emperor, Empress and people with same social ranks..." Nowadays, production team are striving for excellence and working hard to showcase China tradition and culture to the world. However, different period have different requirements, details might be overlooked if you lack research. Hence, the production team are really meticulous in arranging etiquette coach to guide the cast during filming, making the outcome more perfect.


Translation by Sehseh. Source: Zip Magazine