Today we’d like to introduce you to John Jiang.
Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi everyone, my name is John Jiang and I’m from Xinjiang China. I recently graduated from American Academy of Dramatic Arts’ company program, and I am expressly lucky to say that I am also casted in an original off-broadway show that goes up at the end of April in the Flea Theater.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For me because of my unique background, finding work in the industry hasn’t been too hard for me, how we finding the right training and discovering who I am hasn’t been an easy process. Being Chinese in America isn’t exactly easy in terms of social stigma and stereotypes. At the end of the day, there are a lot of people weather they look like me or not who are trying to make our society better, so we can put those racist days in the past. You have to keep believing in who you are and never be ashamed or put down for who you are truly.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actor who is from mainland China, and I have spent most of my performing career in another language which is English. I have believed in that there’s a need for bridges between the people of east and west. Like the recent Little Red Book wave, people from US and China have became to realize that we are all just humans who are trying to thrive against the system. I believe in my unique perspective due to my background and I believe I can be one of the bridges that connects people through my performance or story telling.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I mean New York City is really the city of opportunity which I love because I see new casting, shows, stand up and musicals etc. everyday, but at the same time all the best talents are here as well. The competition we face in NYC is quite literally cut throat, so I guess that why they say if you can make it here you can make it anywhere.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Deborah Lopez
Eva Kottakis
Roy Xu
Bobby Han
Liza Bennett
John Berthurley
Of Ashes And Souls Media Team