Being Jamie Wilson: Swag, ogres, rock and roll

Meet Jamie Wilson: a theater actor whose energy is as infectious as his wit. While he might limit his bike speeds to a modest 80kph on his beloved Royal Enfield Classic or BSA Goldstar Modern Classic – admitting with a wink, "I’m just here for the swag" – his approach to life is anything but slow. This dynamic performer is currently gearing up to take on the titular role in the much-anticipated *Shrek The Musical*.

For Jamie, riding isn't merely a hobby; it's a profound philosophy. "You have to be present or you could die!" he declares, echoing The Doors' "Roadhouse Blues" lyrics: "Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel." He interprets this not just literally, but as a rallying cry to live fully: "Don’t be just a passenger in your life. Why wait for tomorrow? Get closer to your dreams. Take risks! But always keep your eye on the road. Roll baby roll."

Despite his love for long, meditative bike rides, Jamie has temporarily put them on hold. The demands of playing Shrek mean he can't afford any risks. While he appreciates the mental clarity gained from riding, don't expect him to dismantle an engine. He playfully admits, "I’m a real princess when it comes to bikes. I’m not about to take it apart and put it back together," preferring to keep his 'Bike Butler' on speed dial.

When it comes to surviving in the theater world, Jamie is pragmatic. "Work back-to-back," he advises, explaining how he takes on stage work and directing roles when not perfectly "bagay" (suitable) for every acting part. He openly shares past struggles: "There was a time when people wouldn’t touch me with a 10-foot pole. I was broke. I even had to walk to work at times." Yet, his resilience shines through: "There’s a difference between being broke and being poor. Broke just means I don’t have money, being poor implies acceptance."

A true career highlight for Jamie was performing Nelsito Gomez’s *Anniversary* for The Virgin Labfest, a role written specifically for him. "After 45 years in theater, I realized that I am still capable of growth and change," he reflects with pride. As for his singing prowess, he humbly states, "I’m not a singer. I’m an interpreter of songs. You don’t call yourself a singer when you’re on stage with Lea Salonga!"

Jamie doesn't shy away from his past imperfections, describing himself as "reckless" at times. "If not for the people who helped me along the way, my life would have taken a different track," he admits. But he holds firm to a belief in personal evolution: "We can change our stars. I want to be a good man. I want to be a good husband. I want to walk into a room and be accepted despite my *katarantaduhan* (foolishness)." Much like Shrek, who learns self-acceptance, Jamie is on his own journey.

His current preparation for Shrek is nothing short of a "marathon." Jamie, who jokingly calls "discipline a four-letter word," now swims daily "to failure," understanding that "playing Shrek is like running and singing at the same time." He's even paused his gigs with his band, The Blue Rats, to meticulously refine his voice placement. "Rock is a more guttural sound whereas Shrek’s voice is ‘clean’," he explains, celebrating a recent vocal triumph when his coach remarked, "hey Jamie, you finally hit that note!"

The emotional depth of Shrek’s aria "Who I’d Be" resonates deeply with Jamie; he admits it used to bring him to tears. Pondering Shrek's question – "Would he be a hero? Or maybe a poet?" – Jamie offers his own definition of heroism: "Would I wear a cape, wielding a shield? Or would I be the guy who gets up early everyday, takes the bus to work to support his family? What’s more heroic than that?"

He holds immense appreciation for the "unseen" people in society – the security guards, toll booth attendants, bank tellers – feeling incredibly fortunate to pursue his passion for theater, always with "a little rock and roll" intertwined. Or is it the other way around?

In a delightful moment of conspiratorial humor, Jamie shares his take on Shrek and Fiona's first kiss. Locked away or isolated, neither truly knew how to kiss. Yet, upon their first embrace, a look of pure wonderment and joy blossoms, followed by a mischievous, schoolboy snicker and the desire to "Let’s do it again!" a testament to life's unexpected, delightful discoveries.

Ultimately, Jamie Wilson yearns "to deserve that last bow at the curtain call." He believes in hope and redemption, asserting that even when Jim Morrison sings "The end is near," it’s not about resignation. "As long as we draw breath, we can change our stars." Catch Jamie Wilson as Shrek when *Shrek the Musical* opens on October 31 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.