You have a very fanatic fanbase. Are you surprised that there’s a whole community build around you?
It is sometimes shocking because your privacy sometimes vanishes but, on the other hand, it’s also a confirmation that people like your work. It’s cool to see that people are convinced of your talent and see potential in you, but it was quite overwhelming to get so much response. On social media, it’s very easy to get negative feedback, and I sometimes struggle with that. You can get 50.000 messages telling you how good you are, but it’s the one negative comment that keeps spinning in your head for two weeks.
Social media is something very powerful. It can be very positive and create connections between people but it’s also very dangerous. We have to be careful because people might forget how hurtful their comments can be and how deep it can hit even though it isn’t said in your face.
You became an idol for a lot of teenagers. What kind of message do you want to bring across?
It’s a privilege for me to have a platform where I can address topics that should get more attention, in my opinion. Especially when I want to change something or create something theatrical, it’s nice to have a fanbase that backs you up. When I think of a specific message I want to stand for — it might sound very cliché — it is that you should follow your dreams. I’m definitely not the only one giving this advice but it’s really true. Clichés exist for a reason.
“You need a positive ‘fuck it’ attitude”
Everyone is put on this earth to walk a certain path and, even when that path has winds, heights, and lows, it will still lead you to a place where you can, possibly, find happiness. Maybe it’s not now, but that moment will come. That’s probably the vicious circle of life where every low is followed by a high and the other way around.
I suggest you put on your best walking shoes and walk this path as optimistic as possible. Everyone that tries to hinder you: fuck them because it’s your path. You have to see that you love yourself, that you do what you want to do, and that you don’t get influenced by the expectations of others. You need a positive “fuck it” attitude, and I’m sure everyone is able to hunt for their dreams.