A thespian about town

Suman swept into Chiang Mai half a decade ago and is now on just about every stage that pops up and involved in every show put on; whether it be to act, direct, sell tickets, or happily leading guests to their seats. As long as it is about the show, Suman is at the front of the line to join in.

The pair talk about Suman’s many roles on the burgeoning Chiang Mai stages and how, post pandemic, there are finally signs that the performance arts world is waking up and more and more people treading the boards.

He goes on to share vignettes from his filming experiences, often as extras in various Hollywood movies and shares anecdotes about his current project, Shantaram on Apple TV, where he has a recurring role as a slum dweller.

Exuberant, unabashed, silly, flamboyant and fabulous, Suman hails from Malaysia, though he didn’t speak Malay until his late teens. His parents are originally from Sri Lanka, yet he never called the island nation home. He loves to be called an actor, yet was never classically trained. He talks spotlight and stage, yet works in a rehab centre. And like so many peripatetic expatriates, his journey to Chiang Mai is convoluted, unique and fascinating.

The curtains are rising and if you are interested in supporting this bustling scene, watch this episode and sign up to join a theatre group or watch the next show!