INTERVIEW BY ASH I TRANSCRIPTION BY ESTELLE
When Ash interviews Zaleng, Let Me Into Your Heart is still airing. The series follows the encounter between Jack, a popular actor who must learn likay for a role, and Ja, the performer tasked with teaching him this form of Thai folk theatre combining singing, dancing and improvisation.
For Zaleng, who plays Ja and has practised likay since childhood, this first experience in BL connects with a family history that he shares throughout the interview.
Ash : Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your character in Let Me Into Your Heart ?
Zaleng : Hello! My name is Zaleng, Pitchathee Klaymongkon. I play one of the lead roles in Let Me Into Your Heart. My character is called Jamakorn. He is a likay performer, a traditional form of Thai theatre.
Ash : What made you want to act in a series? Had you already wanted to become an actor before this project ?
Zaleng : I've been auditioning since I was sixteen, I auditioned for many projects before getting this opportunity. When I discovered this series, which is adapted from a well-known novel, I wanted to seize the opportunity and give it my all. I was really determined to be part of this project.
Becoming an actor has been a dream of mine since childhood. I wanted to act in series, have the opportunity to do several of them and see myself on television.
Ash : We hope to see you in more series too.
Zaleng : I really hope so! I still want to act in many more series.
Ash : How long have you been performing likay ?
Zaleng: I've been doing it since I was seven years old.
Ash : That's impressive !
Zaleng : Yes, I've been doing it since childhood because my family was already involved in likay. This art has been passed down through the generations, all the way to me.
Ash : That's both interesting and very beautiful to hear. I'm discovering likay myself through the series, and I think it's a beautiful art form. Learning that it's also part of your family heritage makes it even more beautiful.
Ash : I read that you're from Samut Prakan. Could you recommend a local speciality or an activity to discover there ?
Zaleng : If you're passing through Samut Prakan, there are lots of markets, and you absolutely have to stop at one of them! I recommend buying some fish, some pla salid. If you come to Thailand, you have to buy some and try it.
Ash : I hope I get to try it! I'll remember that recommendation, thank you.
Ash : This was your first experience in a BL series. What was it like for you ? Were you already familiar with this genre before getting the role ?
Zaleng : Yes, this was my first BL series, and I'm very happy I could be part of it. I'd also like to explain my point of view on this, to me, a BL series, a love story between two men, is something completely normal. Thailand is very open today, and other countries are too. This series is about love. There's nothing wrong with two men loving each other.
Ash : I agree. We also hope these series will be seen as something normal. That's what we want. And you did really well.
Zaleng : Thank you.
Ash : Is there an anecdote or a memory from the auditions or filming that you'd like to share with us ?
Zaleng : The audition was a real challenge for me. Usually, the series I auditioned for had nothing to do with my profession. Then this series about likay came along, and I got this opportunity, I felt it suited me because it was about my profession, I thought it was perfect for me.
At the auditions, we met many likay performers. I really wanted to do my best, even though I felt some pressure. It was also lovely to be able to show this Thai art and culture to the casting team.
As for filming, I feel like I remember everything because it was my first series. I was very happy to see our likay troupe appear in a series. The likay scenes brought me back to a world I've known since childhood. Seeing them become part of the story made me happy, as did being reunited with performers I'd grown up with.
Ash : That's very interesting because, while watching the series, I was wondering whether it reflected the real lives of likay performers. Thank you for giving us that insight. I also found it touching to see how much the members of the troupe behaved like a family. You can feel that bond between them.
Ash : Eyes and exchanged glances seem to play an important role in the series. When you meet someone, what's the first thing that catches your attention ?
Zaleng : If someone walks by and catches my attention, I tend to look at them. What I like to notice are their eyes and their smile.
Ash : From what we see in the series, preparing for a likay performance seems to take a lot of time and effort. How long does it take you to get ready, including your costume and makeup? I noticed that the performers do their own makeup, which I find very impressive.
Zaleng : At first, when I was a child, it took me over an hour. Now I've got the hang of it, and I can do it in about forty minutes.
Ash : That's quick! I thought it would take longer.
Zaleng : Nowadays, likay costumes are ready-made. Between scenes, costume changes can be done in one minute.
Ash : That's even more impressive. I have to say, the costumes are beautiful. I studied design, so I love seeing how they're designed. I also recently saw your photos from Japan, and your outfit really impressed me.
Zaleng : I also like fashion. I enjoy looking at outfits and drawing them, imagining what I'd like to wear and the styles I like. For Japan, I'd thought about what I was going to wear, the style I wanted and how I could put things together. I wanted the Japanese audience to like my outfit.
Ash : In the series, your character teaches likay to another character. Outside of filming, had you ever had the opportunity to teach it to anyone ?
Zaleng : No, I hadn't done it outside of the series.
Ash : Is it difficult to teach it to someone else ?
Zaleng : It mainly depends on the foundations the person already has, in singing, for example, and on their flexibility. You need to be able to train your body, a little like in gymnastics. For someone with no previous experience, it can take one or two years of practice.
Ash : I've heard that likay dance movements can carry meaning. Could you teach me a gesture and explain what it means ?
Zaleng : This one means “I love you”.
[Zaleng demonstrates the movement, then Ash tries to copy it. They work on the gesture together, smiling.]
Ash : Okay, thank you so much !
Zaleng : Thank you.
Ash : We've reached the end of this interview. Thank you again for joining us today. We'll look forward to your next projects, whether they're series or something else. I hope many fans will have the opportunity to discover you and likay culture through your work. We hope to see you again in the future.
Zaleng : Thank you so much for this interview. I hope we'll have the opportunity to do another one together for a future project.
Ash : l hope so too. It would be a pleasure. Thank you again !
Zaleng : Thank you so much.
Ash : Goodbye, and hopefully see you soon !