Hey there, fellow dorks! Neil here from Dorkaholics, where we celebrate the unique quirks and passions that make us who we are. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang, the talented actors behind the characters Jin and Amelia in the show American Born Chinese. In our interview, we explored the personal growth and self-discovery they experienced while filming the series, as well as their favorite scenes. Let’s dive into the intriguing insights shared by Sydney and Ben.
Discovering Identity Through Filming:
American Born Chinese delves into themes of identity, which resonated deeply with both Sydney and Ben. For Ben, portraying Jin felt like therapy, allowing him to confront and recreate personal teenage traumas. Sydney found the experience of watching Ben’s character go through therapy next to her to be powerful and enlightening. Through their performances and the show’s exploration of identity, both actors discovered more about themselves and their own journeys of self-discovery.
Embracing Growth and Overcoming Insecurities:
Playing the character of Jin provided Ben with an opportunity to reflect on his own teenage years and the factors that influenced his lack of confidence. By reexamining those uncomfortable and awkward moments from his past, Ben was able to find answers and grow as a person. He hopes that his portrayal of Jin will resonate with awkward kids everywhere, assuring them that they are not alone and that things will be okay.
Sydney, on the other hand, hopes that younger viewers will feel understood by watching the series. She wants them to find solace in the fact that there are others who understand their struggles and that they are not alone. By depicting the challenges of growing up in a genuine and relatable manner, the show aims to normalize these experiences and provide comfort to those going through similar situations.
Favorite Scenes and Challenges:
When asked about their favorite scenes, Sydney enthusiastically mentioned an intense and pivotal moment in episode 7. This particular scene, set in the principal’s office with Ben, his parents, and the principal, encapsulated the essence of the entire show. The impeccable writing, acting, and directing made it a standout moment for Sydney. She appreciated how it showcased the show’s central themes and captured the depth of the characters’ experiences.
As for Ben, he relished the opportunity to engage in action scenes. While his character, Jin, didn’t have many action-oriented moments, Ben jokingly requested more action sequences from the show’s creator, Kelvin Yu. Eventually, his wish was granted in the final episode, but the experience proved to be more challenging than anticipated. A wire stunt left him terrified, but the end result was worth it. It taught Ben to appreciate the effort that goes into action sequences and left him with a newfound respect for the actors who perform them.
Conclusion:
Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang’s performances in American Born Chinese have not only entertained audiences but have also sparked personal growth and reflection within themselves. By exploring themes of identity and normalizing the struggles of adolescence, the show provides a relatable and comforting experience for viewers. As Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang continue their journeys as actors, we eagerly look forward to their future projects, hoping they will bring more heartfelt stories to our screens. Stay tuned for more dorky adventures and discoveries right here on Dorkaholics!
