We recently had the chance to connect with Kai Xing Mun and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kai Xing, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I had the blessing to be able to play my dream role Anna May Wong in a live stage reading of “Anna May Wong: PERSONA” sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council in New York City. It’s always such an honour to voice her and portray her in any medium. I hope I can fully portray her in a stage production to share her legacy one day.
Her resilience to become a movie star against racism, sexism, and family disapproval has always inspired me to go after my dreams.
I had the privilege of having gorgeous portraits done by Kathryn Whitehead and Alexandra Noelle Chan which I dreamed about for a long time, and I’m thankful to David Quang Pham for archiving the footage of my lovely, talented cast. I know I look nothing like her, but I felt beautiful having pictures taken inspired by her charisma and style.
I know there is still a lot for me to learn about her as more of her history becomes unearthed and untangled, but right now my birthday is coming up and I will be celebrating in Japan.
It will be my first time in Hokkaido before visiting Tokyo once again. I’ve been studying Japanese consistently this year, and I may not be perfect, but I have to feel proud of the progress I made in my speaking skills and literacy in the language. I keep dreaming about taking my acting to an international level one day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kai Xing Mun. I am a Malaysian-Chinese American nonbinary actor who goes by they, she, and he pronouns. I was born and raised in Lenapehoking, the indigenous land of the Lenape people, which others may also know as New York City.
I trained in acting, singing, and dancing at Abrons Arts Center, and began acting off-Broadway with Urban Youth Theatre. I graduated from Marymount Manhattan College, and have since worked in film and theatre.
My acting is a holistic experience where I love to use techniques from multiple disciplines such as dance and writing into my practice as I search for the emotional truth of the story and explore facets of a character’s humanity.
My recent credits include being in the ensemble of “Queer Summerween” in HOT Festival at Dixon Place, an anthology of short horror plays, where I played five different characters all in one night: a werewolf, vampire, serial killer, a pumpkin monster, and a gymnast.
Other roles I am proud to play include starring as Peach in the original burlesque play “Calico” with Queerly Festival at UNDER St. Marks Theatre. I have played Eddie, Magenta and The Criminologist in a series of Rocky Horror Picture Show productions by Oliver Herface. I portrayed Anna May Wong two times in In Full Color’s showcase at Nimbus Arts Center and “Anna May Wong: PERSONA” at Abrons Arts Center.
I am always ready to play everything from a quirky rom-com lead to something supernatural to the chaotic-neutral best friend.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I’ve committed myself to producing and acting these past two years. As grateful as I am, I am also exhausted. It’s important to know your priorities and boundaries, and then commit to them. I’d rather put all my energy into just acting…and traveling. It’s been very hard for me to take things slow this year, but I had to learn to say no to stress and make it a priority to have joy and care this year. That includes traveling which is incredibly healing for me. I feel so much peace and growth as I experience new places, cultures, art forms, and delicious cuisine.
I even like to see it as early preparation. I don’t want my acting to just stay in New York City. I would honestly love to be able to act in Asian cinema and stages like in Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Here’s hoping an international talent agency or casting director will take an interest in me one day. Hello world! I am available for representation!
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my craft. I want to let that anxiety go. Maybe it’s a sign to get back to improv classes haha.
After all, it’s always a happier experience when everyone is having fun, instead of worrying about being perfect. Sometimes when something goes wrong on stage or when someone comes up with a new line, no one ever gets upset because it’s so hilarious and a better memory!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One day I’ll support myself and my loved ones by acting and traveling the world.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
I am an actor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/kaixingmun
- Instagram: @kaixingmun
Image Credits
Alexandra Noelle Chan – @noelle.png , https://www.alexandranoellechan.com/
Kathryn Whitehead – @kathryn.whitehead , https://kathrynwhiteheadphotography.com/
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