In this episode, Marissa is joined by actor, improviser, performance maker and writer, Vera Chok.

Most recently on screen, Vera was a series regular on Channel 4’s flagship drama, Hollyoaks, playing Honour Chen-Williams, head of the first ever East Asian family on a British continuing drama.

Vera has appeared in London’s West End multiple times, in the original cast for multiple Olivier-winning Chimerica, and alongside Judi Dench for The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company.

Vera has a debut poetry collection coming out April 2024, via Burning Eye Press and she is currently touring 2:22 - A Ghost Story across the UK as 'Lauren'.

Originally recorded in November 2023, Marissa and Vera talk about:

1:52 = Vera's path to performing

5:12 = The 'Bamboo Ceiling'

10:50 = What needs to change in the acting industry

14:09 = Being cast in the first East Asian family on a British continuing drama

16:00 = The richness of diverse spaces

20:20 = Codeswitching

22:58 = The UK's first improv festival dedicated to East and South East Asian voices

25:05 = Empowerment and celebration

29:07 = Angry, yellow, woman

31:03 = How Vera took her career into her own hands

36:35 = Why are you doing the thing?

39:23 = Following curiosity

43:05 = If Vera ruled the world...

Find out more about Vera's work on her website www.verachok.org and @verachok on Instagram.

References =
Code switching

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