AKIPRESS.COM - Mongolian actor Zana Gankhuyag gained the role of Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” staged at Synetic Theater in Washington, D.C. last month.

The UB Post provides an interview with Gankhuyag.

- Tell us about yourself. Why did you decide to become an actor?

- I have been in the U.S. since 2002 with my family. My mother is an eye doctor, and my father is well-known artist. He makes tsam dance masks and costumes. My father participates in art events to promote Mongolia, and he organizes tsam mask exhibitions.

I used to study at a Mongolian school in Washington, D.C. every Saturday not to forget my mother tongue and culture. Dancer of the Mongolian State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet used to teach dance at my school. My father forced me to learn how to dance at first. But I fell in love with dancing and stage arts. After that dance class, students of the school participated in events held in France, Germany, Belgium and Sweden and promoted Mongolia. At that time, I decided to become an actor. Then I entered the theater class of the school.

- How did you get into the Synetic Theater?

- Synetic Theater selected artists from local schools. I also trained in taekwondo and Mongolian traditional dance. I think that influenced me to become an actor at Synetic Theater. Initially, I played Mercutio in a “Romeo and Juliet” play staged by Synetic Theater. After that, the head of Synetic Theater called me and offered me a job. I didn’t believe it.

I worked as a supporting actor for a year at Synetic Theater. I was studying in high school at the time. Synetic Theater gave me a wonderful opportunity.

- Do you have to work harder than other American artists at Synetic Theater because you are Asian?

- Every artist has to work hard. It is difficult to be selected as a protagonist. It doesn’t matter if you are Asian or of other ethnic background. On the other hand, art is a business. So, the theater has to choose talented artists to attract audiences.