Evil Director Jon M. Chu can really relate to Elphaba.

While talking about the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jon shared that he knows what it feels like to be an outsider.

“We’re talking about a girl who is judged by the color of the skin. For me it is so many people’s history. I know what it feels like to be an outsider. To be seen and judged immediately and always feel that you have to prove yourself,” he explained to People.

He continued, “I know how it feels for people to always tell me, ‘just don’t complain. Just keep your feelings under control.’ And I also know the feeling of when to let it go and be like, ‘No, now we have to be loud.

He also shared insight into his work struggles and said, “It’s been the journey, perhaps until this point, to be honest. It has been a 40-year journey of being an artist, finding confidence to speak out and talking up, and it’s all in Elphaba.”

Jon M. Chu’s Evil Part 1 won the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and A Critics Choice Awards, and contributed to Ariana Grande, 31, such as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo, 38, as Elhaba.