As one of the leads of Green Day’s American Idiot, he plays Tunny, premiering today, 09 March at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, John Mondelo had an intense yet approachable vibe. Confident in his talent and what he brings to the table, he is attuned to the nuances of him being a person of colour taking centre stage. ‘It’s a win for Asian representation. In the years I’ve been in the industry, we are improving.’
‘It’s a tough industry. The challenge personally for me was the life balance and maintaining my sense of self even after suffering through rejections. It’s a draining industry, especially since you’re always auditioning.’ His secret is keeping a healthy perspective and ensuring he is physically and mentally in a good place. ‘I gym regularly, I enjoy eating, spending time with my friends. Normal, everyday things that keep me grounded.’
When asked how it all began, ‘I first arrived in Australia when I was four years old. My parents spoke to me in Tagalog and English, ensuring I kept in touch with my roots – my heritage. My mum cooked Filipino food at home.’ Growing up, he had supportive parents. Calderata and the classic lechon are two of his favourite dishes. He was always musically inclined, however, a family holiday to London changed everything ‘I saw a West end play in London when I was 15 years old during a family holiday – it was a matinee show of Oliver, and from there I was hooked. I knew this was what I wanted to do.’ John then structured his entire life in pursuit of his passion, his lifelong dream. He completed a Bachelor in Classical Voice from the University of Western Australia, a Musical Theatre Certificate course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), a Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in South Australia and a Music Theatre Intensive at the Stella Adler Studio New York in the United States.
‘Getting into Stella Adler was a big deal. There are hundreds of applicants every year, and they only get a handful of participants. Finding out I was accepted into the program was one of the incredible moments in my life so far.’ Having talent in spades as well as the technical knowledge to back it up. Being cast as one the leads in the Green Day musical is just the beginning. He already has a couple of projects in the pipeline. ‘I’ve already gone so much further than I have imagined. I am very grateful for the opportunities and excited to see what’s in store. When asked what advice he would give to aspiring actors and performers, John replied, ‘Just keep throwing yourself at things. Everytime you get a No, take the time to grieve but always remember to put yourself back out there. Keep moving forward.’
When asked what we can do as viewers to ensure we keep the momentum going, John was quick to reply, ‘Show up, support the arts. The industry, at the end of the day, is a business. The producers also want to have a return on their investment. The more they see shows supported.’ It was a refreshingly transparent view of how the entertainment industry functions. Seeing minority representation will only continue to gain ground if an audience exists.
To come and support John Mondelo, visit chapelofchapel.com to book your tickets.
Green Day’s American Idiot is showing at Chapel off chapel 12 Little Chapel st, Prahran, from March 9 – 26, 2023
Follow John on Instagram @john_mondelo.
