Meet Yiqing (Lana) Zhang | Actor, Theater Producer, and Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yiqing (Lana) Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yiqing (Lana), let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
For me, the greatest wealth an actor can leave for this world is the understanding, reflection, and emotion that the audience gains after watching your performance. I haven’t pondered whether this would be considered “my” personal legacy, but I’m eager to leave something behind in this world through my profession.

I believe the most wonderful aspect of actors, as well as all theatre creators, is that we present processes to the world rather than outcomes. It’s almost only when people are watching stories that they’re willing to let go of various stereotypes and prejudices, attempting to understand things and people different from themselves. Actors serve as vessels for how characters choose and why they choose as they do. We comprehend the complexity of characters, bring them to life before the audience through our souls and bodies, and strive to connect them with the audience through shared human emotions. Every time I finish a performance and hear someone say, “I didn’t understand this character before, but after watching your performance, I have new insights,” I feel it’s my victory, the victory of theatre.

Actors need strong empathy to embody characters within their own bodies. “Lana would understand.” I hope people say this when they mention me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career journey began as a humble, nameless actor in the university drama club. When I first ventured into acting, lacking formal training often led to self-doubt, making me feel inadequate as an actor. To compensate for this shortfall in training, I held onto absolute sincerity for every role. I spent extensive hours reading scripts, delving into the characters’ life stories, and deciphering the subtexts and personality backgrounds hidden within each word. From Beijing to New York, I stepped onto more stages, and sincerity gradually became my distinguishing trait as an actor. Even with the same character, I still maintain uncertainty about everything that will unfold on stage before each performance. For me, amidst the rehearsals, every action, word, and emotion remains fresh and unknown. I also hope to continuously bring this sense of novelty to the audience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve been based in New York for the past few years. For me, New York is both a tourist destination and a place to live. If my friends were to visit New York for a week, I would recommend they stay and experience it like a New Yorker for a few days. One or two Broadway shows are a must, for sure. But at the same time, I would invite my friends to stay in my small apartment in Brooklyn. Waking up in the morning, heading to the corner coffee shop for a coffee and bakery treat, while watching the hustle and bustle of the streets outside. I’d take them for a stroll along Broadway Avenue from 33rd Street to 14th Street, my favorite walking route. If time permits, I’d also take them to Central Park or Prospect Park for dog walking, picnicking, and spending a leisurely afternoon. In the fast-paced city of New York, slowing down can also be a wonderful experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my career journey, I first want to express special thanks to my parents, partner, and supportive friends. The path of theatrical arts is filled with uncertainty, and I often find myself doubting the future. Thank you for granting me unconditional trust and nurturing my growth. At the same time, I would love to shout out to supervisors from several job experiences, directors I’ve collaborated with, and colleagues in various productions. I’ve always been grateful to encounter many generous collaborators in the early stages of my career who selflessly passed on their experiences to me and provided warmth and care beyond professional relationships.

Finally, I want to thank the goddess of art (if there is one) for granting me sensitivity to the world. I’ve always cherished this precious gift.

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