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By Joey B. Ting, Contributor
The Golden Age of Philippine Theater—is it
near or is it here? Theater productions are everywhere these days.
In Manila alone, almost all of the theater companies are
passionately dedicated to produce refreshing, attractive and
insightful productions for the audience. University-based theater
groups as well exert tremendous effort in brewing intellectually
thought-provoking, mesmerizing and intriguing productions.
To name some, Tanghalang Pilipino of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines recently concluded the highly
successful Virgin Labfest 4 in collaboration with the Writer’s
Bloc. Repertory Philippines showcased thespian Jose Mari Avellana in
Tuesdays with Morrie and an interesting stage concept of Hamlet in
first quarter of this year. Philippine Educational Theater
Association premiers this July Nicanor Tiongson’s Noli-Fili:
Dekada 2000 (Dos Mil), a modern day adaptation of National Hero Jose
Rizal’s novels. Anton Juan Jr. explores captivating imagery using
dead children as subjects in the forthcoming Dulaang UP production
this month. Tony awardee Lea Salonga plays Cinderella, a Musicale
under Broadway Asia this coming August.
Joining these highly acclaimed theater
institutions is Word of Mouth (WOM) Theater Philippines, a newly
established non-stock, non-profit organization that brings in
world-class artists and performers together headed by non other than
the critically acclaimed and highly charismatic actor-director
Jeremy Domingo. WOM recently previewed Macbeth: Unplugged, a
modern-day interpretation of William Shakespeare’s masterpiece.
Honed sharp through years of rigid theater
training under mentors such as the late Zenaida Amador of Repertory
Philippine and professor-emeritus Tony Mabesa of Dulaang UP, Domingo
still posses the infectious dynamism and youthful vigor. He instills
renewed vitality and exuberance among the most promising and exiting
performing artists of today, many of whom are his peers. The
powerhouse ensemble cast this new theater company has mustered is
testament to the man’s pedigree and potential.
The cast includes Roeder Canadag as Macbeth,
Gigette Reyes as Lady Macbeth, Leo Rialp and Richard Cunanan as
Duncan, Manuel Aquino and James Paolelli as Banquo, Apollo Abraham
and Andre Tiangco as Macduff, Jeremy Domingo as Malcolm, Astarte
Abraham and Martina Romulo as the first witch, Jing Reyna Jorge and
Cherry Mae Canton as the second witch and the son of Mcduff, and
Jenny Jamora as Lady Macduff. Also in the powerhouse cast are Miguel
Vasquez, Gio Respall, Rob Rownd, Henry Strzalkowski, Martin de la
Paz, Don Rivera, Lexter Victorio and Ricardo Osita. More highly
acclaimed veteran actors may join the cast as Macbeth is projected
to tour extensively.
Liesl Batucan assists in direction. Gio Respall
supervises choreographic patterns with Miguel Vasquez as fight
choreographer. John Neil Ilao Batalla designs the lights while Gwyn
Guanzon works on production design. Jacques Borlaza is at the helm
of managing the production. Cara Mesina heads the stage management
team with Technical Director Arnold Cao.
WOM’s preview of Macbeth, though still a work in progress,
promises to usher yet another golden age in contemporary Philippine
theater scene.
Directorially, it needs tightening up,
especially in transitional scenes where set pieces inhibit
theatricality and magic. (Though this is something to be expected
for a work in progress.)
Roeder Camanag bravely takes the lead character
into more sensitive interpretation—a man tottering on the
knife-edge between murderous will-to-power and tender fealty. The
highly regarded thespian still needs to develop the charming but
aggressive Macbeth and to boldly portray the protagonist with steely
determination. Gigette Reyes as Lady Macbeth is effortlessly
alluring on stage. As the three witches, Romulo, Canton and Javier
enunciate their dialogues well.
The preview of Macbeth utilized a minimalist set
as the production is projected to tour extensively on various
performance spaces. Quite abstract, the all-white design entices the
audience to think and imagine. The entrance of the three witches in
the prologue catches the attention of the audience and enthralls its
spectators with expositions. The entrance of Macbeth and his wife,
Lady Macbeth, serve to further heighten the drama.
WOM reinterprets the Scottish medieval warfare
setting as contemporary corporate and Mafioso. It presents its
modern day audiences with accessible characters as well as a
timeless tale guilt, deceit and egotism as presented by some of
today’s some of today’s recognized theater actors.
Word of Mouth Theater Philippines showcased
Macbeth: Unplugged on July 2 and 3 at the PETA-PHINMA Theater Center
for possible sponsorships and special invitational tours. For
details, call 489-4819.
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