Gantimpala Theater opens its thirty second season with Florante at Laura, with Migui Moreno and Jhen Olivar playing the lead characters, under the direction of Soxie Topacio.
Florante
at Laura is a Philippine literary classic; an awit made into a play and presented using the theater form of the komedya. The story is about the
struggles and love of Florante and Laura of Albania during the war between the Albanians and Moors.
"I am excited and nervous to do the role,"
says Moreno.
"Excited because, this is my first time to work with Gantimpala Theater. When I
auditioned, I had no expectations. I was willing to take any part for as long
that I'll be given the chance to work with them. Being Florante comes as a
really big surprise."
"He
is a good son, a romantic, devoted lover, and a warrior," describes Migui of
his character. "In fact, being so in love with Laura proved to be his greatest
weakness and Adolfo, his nemesis, used this to his advantage."
He continues, "Honestly,
I am nervous because the role requires me to present so many emotions, not to
mention my lines are really long and we have to deliver it with the right dicho. We even have batalla scenes. Whew! Despite all these, I am doing my best to give
life to this character and I hope that the people will be happy with my
performance."
Another
lucky first timer is Jhen, who happens to be a professional ramp, commercial and
fashion model prior to bagging the role.
She
shares, "When I auditioned for Gantimpala, I was not expecting anything and I
did not even expect that I will pass the audition because it is my first time.
To my surprise I got the role of Laura, and it's not just a simple role, it's a
lead role. I will play Laura from the heart and I'm really positive about the
outcome."
"I
am also happy that the people from Gantimpala are very considerate and
friendly. Every one is approachable, from our director down to the staff. And
every rehearsal day is a learning experience and I am very much inspired to be
surrounded by dedicated and disciplined theater artists," adds Jhen.
The Christian
characters are Perry Escaño (Adolfo),
Jose Jeffrey Camañag (Haring Linceo), Richard Manabat (Duke
Briseo), Roselle Buenaventura (Reyna
Floresca), Billy Parjan (Antenor),
Glendel Dacumos and Alfred Urieta (alternately portraying Menandro), with Abner Delina Jr and Raymond Talavera
(alternately playing Batang Florante/Tagapagsalaysay).
Representing the Moors
are by Berl Angeles (Aladin), Marjorie Lorico (Flerida), Alex Guerrero (Sultan
Ali-Adab), Molts Meneses (Osmalik), and Vic Ferrer (Emir).
Helping
Direk Soxie bring the kingdoms of Albania and Persia to life are Roeder Camañag
(Assistant Director), Joseph Mattheu (Lights Design), Norman Peñaflorida (Set
Design), Gardy Labad (Music Composer), Noel Cabangon (Arranger), Nemi
Pagtakhan/ Alex Guerrero (Choreographers/Speech Coaches), Pamela Hundana (Production
Manager), and Michael King Urieta (Stage Manager).
Tony
Espejo, artistic director states, "Beyond the romantic story between Florante
and Laura, Aladin and Flerida, Balagtas' awit is a well-disguised commentary on
the ills of the society during the Spanish regime. It may be situated in the fictional
kingdom of Albania
but the conditions it depicts were realities taking place in the Philippines
during its years of struggle for freedom. Despite the freedom that we
experience now, the ills are still around and sadly, continue to escalate. We
hope the eyes and minds of the young will be opened with regard to these
realities. Through this play, we hope that they become more vigilant in doing
their share to make our nation great again."
Performances are
slated on August 1 (6 pm) Open Air Auditorium, in Luneta, Manila, August 7, 8, 9,
14, 15 and 16 (10 am/2 pm), AFP Theater in Quezon City and August 21, 22, and 23
(10 am/2 pm), SM Southmall in Las Piñas.
For
information, bookings and ticket reservations, please call 899-5745, 896-3503,
474-5198. Or, write to: gantimpalatheater@yahoo.com.ph