by Boy Villasanta, abs-cbnNEWS.com
(Original Article can be found HERE)
MANILA, Philippines - As TV, film and theatre actor Alexander Cortez has said, trends in stage performances have geared toward the mainstream market at the start of the Year of the Rabbit.
“I hope that in the next few years, theatre artists would enjoy enough material things stage acting could offer. I wish actors and actresses in theatre could now buy their own houses and lots, cars and other valuable possessions in the same manner what stars in the movies and television enjoy,” said Cortez at the press launch of the newest version of the early 19th century masterpiece of prolific Filipino poet Francisco Baltazar, “Orosman at Zafira.”
For one, after showing “Orosman at Zafira,” a komedya about the warring kingdoms of Marueccos, Tedents and Duquel, at the Dulaang UP last year, the musicale edition will be staged at the bigger and wider audience of Center Stage Theatre in Mall of Asia with a cast of more popular artists, if not scions of famous entertainers.
Cortez, Dulaang UP’s Artistic Director, has been working on the popularization of theatre for many years now. He was euphoric about the transition and transfer of venue for the reinterpreted Balagtas opus directed and choreographed by Dexter Santos and music composed by Carol Bello.
“I also play important roles on TV and movies so I can say that theatre people also deserve to be comfortable in life,” he said.
Hunk actor Jay Gonzaga, ABS-CBN’s pride and erstwhile mainstay of soaps “Tayong Dalawa,” “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo” and “I Love Betty La Fea” among others, tackles Orosman and his macho image adds masculinity to the character.
Roeder Camañag, a fixture of the local music industry who has recorded at least 3 Original Pilipino Music albums with the Vicor Music Corporation and had given us the hit song “Sana Naman,” also leads the cast as Abdalap.
“It’s really an interesting and challenging role in my stint in theatre for the last three decades,” Camañag exclaimed.
Surprisingly, many culture, lifestyle and entertainment writers were amazed at how Roeder has maintained his youthfulness when he has spent many summers in the biz.
“Hindi siya tumatanda,” prizewinning artists Pablo Tariman and Dennis Adobas said in unison.
“Hindi lang ako nag-iisip ng kung anu-ano. I don’t wallow in loneliness,” revealed Roeder.
Tao Aves, daughter of indigenous musician Grace Nono, plays Zelima in the rock musicale.
“I think I inherited the discipline of my mom,” admitted Aves who also sings, looks and talks like Nono.
Famed couple Shamaine Centenera and Nonie Buencamino’s daughter, Delphine Buencamino, takes on Zafira.
“It’s like a big break for me. I also am with people who are like sisters and brothers to me. My parents and Tao’s mom were classmates at the Philippine School for the Arts and that made our bonding deeper and more meaningful,” noted Dephine.
On the other hand, Red Concepcion, elder brother of matinee idol Sam Concepcion, plays Aldervesin.
“I am lucky I belong to a family of disciplined artists and that helps me a lot in portraying any role professionally,” shared Red, who has also been a regular actor of the Repertory Philippines.
“I hope that in the next few years, theatre artists would enjoy enough material things stage acting could offer. I wish actors and actresses in theatre could now buy their own houses and lots, cars and other valuable possessions in the same manner what stars in the movies and television enjoy,” said Cortez at the press launch of the newest version of the early 19th century masterpiece of prolific Filipino poet Francisco Baltazar, “Orosman at Zafira.”
For one, after showing “Orosman at Zafira,” a komedya about the warring kingdoms of Marueccos, Tedents and Duquel, at the Dulaang UP last year, the musicale edition will be staged at the bigger and wider audience of Center Stage Theatre in Mall of Asia with a cast of more popular artists, if not scions of famous entertainers.
Cortez, Dulaang UP’s Artistic Director, has been working on the popularization of theatre for many years now. He was euphoric about the transition and transfer of venue for the reinterpreted Balagtas opus directed and choreographed by Dexter Santos and music composed by Carol Bello.
“I also play important roles on TV and movies so I can say that theatre people also deserve to be comfortable in life,” he said.
Hunk actor Jay Gonzaga, ABS-CBN’s pride and erstwhile mainstay of soaps “Tayong Dalawa,” “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo” and “I Love Betty La Fea” among others, tackles Orosman and his macho image adds masculinity to the character.
Roeder Camañag, a fixture of the local music industry who has recorded at least 3 Original Pilipino Music albums with the Vicor Music Corporation and had given us the hit song “Sana Naman,” also leads the cast as Abdalap.
“It’s really an interesting and challenging role in my stint in theatre for the last three decades,” Camañag exclaimed.
Surprisingly, many culture, lifestyle and entertainment writers were amazed at how Roeder has maintained his youthfulness when he has spent many summers in the biz.
“Hindi siya tumatanda,” prizewinning artists Pablo Tariman and Dennis Adobas said in unison.
“Hindi lang ako nag-iisip ng kung anu-ano. I don’t wallow in loneliness,” revealed Roeder.
Tao Aves, daughter of indigenous musician Grace Nono, plays Zelima in the rock musicale.
“I think I inherited the discipline of my mom,” admitted Aves who also sings, looks and talks like Nono.
Famed couple Shamaine Centenera and Nonie Buencamino’s daughter, Delphine Buencamino, takes on Zafira.
“It’s like a big break for me. I also am with people who are like sisters and brothers to me. My parents and Tao’s mom were classmates at the Philippine School for the Arts and that made our bonding deeper and more meaningful,” noted Dephine.
On the other hand, Red Concepcion, elder brother of matinee idol Sam Concepcion, plays Aldervesin.
“I am lucky I belong to a family of disciplined artists and that helps me a lot in portraying any role professionally,” shared Red, who has also been a regular actor of the Repertory Philippines.
Catch OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA on its LAST Saturday run
February 26 / 3PM / SAT @ MOA CenterStage
Ticket Price: Php350
Contact Onay @ 0918.536.2116 to reserve tickets
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