For her, the purpose of coming to the theater is to get closer to one's true self. "It's not about becoming someone else or striving to be a 'better' person, as the definition of 'better' is different for everyone," she said.

That mindset is also what helped her stop chasing other people's approval.

"I learned on stage that strength has to come from within, and that taking care of myself first is necessary," she said. "Once I did that, I realized people didn't need my constant 'sacrifice'. That made my life feel lighter, easier, and happier."

"If participants leave the theater feeling more aligned with who they truly are, then that is priceless," she added.

guojiatong@i21st.cn